THE GREATEST THING . . .

Posted on October 14, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is  love.” ICorinthians 13:13 

I don’t know where the members of the Beatles heads were.  I’d venture to say their music will remain for centuries.  The lyrics too, hang on for years.  In their song, “All You Need Is Love,” I can’t help but think of the words of the Apostle Paul as he wrote to the Corinthian Christians.  He spoke of the three things needful being faith, hope and love.  He was talking about the love of God and how it will withstand all this in this world and in the next.  The Beatles were talking about a different kind of love, but the lyrics of this song almost mirror Paul’s words.

“Love, love, love
Love, love, love
Love, love, love
There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done
Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung
Nothing you can say but you can learn how to play the game
It’s easy
There’s nothing you can make that can’t be made
No one you can save that can’t be saved
Nothing you can do but you can learn how to be you in time
It’s easy

All you need is love
All you need is love”

Our world is filled with hate.  We see it everywhere. Young children are exposed to hatred when they start school and the class bully begins to destroy them.  Hatred can be seen in city streets as teens go in search of a sense of belonging by joining a gang.  They need a family so desperately, they are easy bait for those who will turn them into  outlaws.  Hatred seeps into the workplace, where the climb to the top drives otherwise normal people into sharks.  As we grow older, the aging process turns us into angry people who think the world owes them something.  Our politicians, no matter what their party, are known to stir up hatred among the masses.  Hate is like a malignancy which starts small and finally overtakes those who feel it.

Hate is the opposite of love.  Love is patient and kind.  It is humble and caring.  It is a word we need to revive and start putting back into action.  It requires more work than hate, because we don’t always have the patience or kindness to turn the other cheek.  If we believe we’re right, it’s tough to accept another’s opinion.  Love is measured in how we treat people – how we turn out thoughts from ourselves and become servants, caretakers, intermediaries, self-sacrificing and those who want the best for those they’re closely tied to, as well as strangers.

God’s love is unimaginable.  We cannot begin to conceive how much He loves each inhabitant of the earth – even those who have no use for Him. He loved everyone so much that He gave the supreme sacrifice to cleanse us from our sin and guilt.  No one can comprehend the pain He went through to save us.  His love is unconditional with no strings attached.  The only requirement is that we believe in Him and turn our lives around.  “Go and sin no more,” Jesus said.

When I go to heaven, I will no longer need faith.  I will no longer need hope. Those things will be swallowed up in death.  All I need is love.  God is love and is all I will ever need.

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NATIONAL BULLYING PREVENTION MONTH

Posted on October 12, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Why is there so much bullying? It seems to permeate every area of our society. It comes at you out of nowhere. It grabs your emotions and cuts deeper than a knife. Words like “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me,” seem absurd. Of course words hurt. They can be more deadly than any weapon.

What others think of us is highly important to most of us. A good name, a good work ethic an unsullied reputation are essential to our acceptance.

We need to get back to the basics of teaching our children that they are not only special to us, but that we love them and want them to succeed. We also need to let them know that Jesus loves them so much that he gave his life for them. In the process of teaching them that they are loved, we need to teach them that there are going to confrontations in life. We will be encountered with accusations, hatred, insecurity of others, unleashed with anger and all out meanness.

We see evidence of bullying in every area of life. The examples our children see on the news, on the streets, in the classroom, in our politics, in our churches, and everywhere they go will stick with them. These tender little shoots are growing up in a world of anger, concern for self alone and millions of reasons for people to fly off the handle. Those things must be harnessed and it begins at home.

We also need to help our kids recognize that those who bully are seeking attention. They are trying to look strong to their peers when they are really weak in their own eyes. Unfortunately, with the advent of the internet, social media, texting, etc. our young people are exposed to the world with all her flaws.

There once was a man who endured the most extreme physical and verbal abuse. His body was whipped beyond the severe limit of forty lashes. The beating caused not only extreme pain, but a tremendous loss of blood. Insects fed on his wounds. He was ridiculed, spat upon, dehydrated, bruised and constant taunting by his accusers.
His hands and feet were pinned to the cross with iron spikes. His head bore a crown of thorns which pierced his innocent head. His hair was filled with spit, sweat and blood.  He was completely devoid of God’s presence as he carried the sins of the world to his death.

What he did for us is unimaginable. When we begin to feel like we aren’t important, all we have to do is look at Jesus to see what he was willing to do because of his love for us. We don’t deserve this gift, but he gave it freely.

To those who hurt us with words and deeds, we need only try to understand and forgive them. The Golden Rule has been long erased from our vocabulary. We may have differences of opinions. We may have unusual situations at work, home or free time. We may have neve known the love of God. Still His love comes with no strings attached. It is totally unconditional.

We are in the month of October, a time to recognize bullying for what it is and how to overcome it. It will only be repaired through love and there is no greater purveyor of love than Jesus, Christ, our Lord.

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SATURDAY SPOOKY SILLINESS

Posted on October 12, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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AUTUMN LEAVES

Posted on October 11, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday as I drove to have a CatScan to see if I had kidney stones, I took the scenic route.  The Victory Memorial Parkway was alive with brilliant color even though the skies were sunless and a few drizzles of rain covered my windshield.  I snapped a few pictures along the way (I wasn’t driving at the time) and found some color right in my own backyard.  I absolutely love autumn.

The crimson reds are making their appearance this week.  The sun is trying to break through the incessant clouds and snow is in the forecast.  Still the thought of white stuff in October doesn’t discourage.  We know there will be a few more days ahead to enjoy the crisp fresh air of autumn.  The smells of fresh baked apple pie and pumpkin spice are delicious.  Thoughts of sitting around a bonfire and making that final batch of S’Mores tantalizes the taste buds.  Wearing flannel shirts and jackets for the first time in a while is a refreshing change.

Pumpkins are artisticall carved and sit on tables outside.  Big inflatable images of the Munsters, The Addams Family and other spooks and goblins are enriched by orange yard lights.  We’re getting closer to winter, but we refuse to think about that now.

I feel very blessed to live in a place that displays the beauty of the seasons.  There are times when I wonder why I live in such a cold climate, except when the artistry of God is running amok with color.

The CatScan revealed two stones.  Instead of rocks in my head, I produce rocks in my kidneys.  This isn’t my first rodeo with these pesky little globs of calcium.  When they’re in there, I have learned to listen to my body.  I know this is a treatable problem and thank God for preserving me for a few more years.  I also thank Him for the beautiful drive in spite of the raindrops.

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WALLY’S FRIDAY FRYDADDY FUNNY

Posted on October 11, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on October 11, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Makes me think of “Braveheart” somehow.

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JUST ANOTHER DAY IN MINNEAPOLIS

Posted on October 10, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

Trump-baby-balloon-via-CNBC-1200x786.jpgPresident Trump is entering enemy territory this evening.  Two of these big Trump balloons are at the ready and will appear outside the place he takes the podium.  Several protestors from various factions will be on hand.  There are those carrying signs that say things like :  “IMPEACH TRUMP FOR CLIMATE CHANGE,” OR” IMPEACH TRUMP FOR MISUSE OF EXECUTIVE POWER,” or IMPEACH TRUMP FOR PEACHES.”

There will also be those on hand with tee shirts bearing slogans like, “MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN,” or “COPS FOR TRUMP.” There will be other words spewing out of angry mouths and protestors with uncontrollable rage and maybe a fight or two will break out in downtown Minneapolis.  As I was on my home from getting a CatScan, I noticed what looked like a bomb squad and SWAT team surrounding a school zone.

My state is known as being extremely liberal. I’m not particularly fond of that face.  I still care about my liberal friends.  There are many points which I disagree on, but I’m certainly not going to give up their friendship because of their political allegiance.  It’s very clear that President almost won the state of Minnesota in the last election.  I think many of my conservative friends had something to do with that.

When I entered the voting poll at the last election, I was teetering on indecision.  I wasn’t sure about any of the candidates, but I decided to look at the facts.  Mr. Trump has always been successful in business.  He knows the seedy side of life and how to root it out before it rears its ugly head.  Running our country has been an exercise in doing just that.  He has taken on the immigration situation and puts his reasons on the rule of law.  He appreciates our law enforcement, the military, those who serve and protect our country.  In my opinion, he was the only one who was willing to dig deep and restore our country to its former self.

I will vote for him again, because he is dedicated to this country.

So, on this rainy Thursday, a bank of grey clouds hover over our city. The democrat mayor has had his say.  Our democrat governor will undoubtedly have words to share.  The pro-choice groups, the climate change people, the impeach for anything group will be on hand.  There will also be those who believe that our president is not guilty of any crimes other than bringing things to light which have been turning greener by the minute in the swamp created by those same people.  Those who are worried about their own careers are afraid of being exposed and will go to any lengths to protect themselves.

Those who elected a man dedicated to working for American have been shown that he’s done his job.  Pray for my city.  Pray that the anger that is filtering into our streets will be minimal.  Pray that violence and foolish, senseless behavior doesn’t occur. Pray that God will again lead us to a greater America.

 

 

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WORLD TRAVELER

Posted on October 9, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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A little over a year ago, my grandson began an adventure of a lifetime.  After graduating from college, he made the decision to take a year to travel to South Korea and work as an English teacher.  The choice was difficult for a number of reasons.  He would be away from home, independent for the first time in his life and in a land of the unknown.  Armed with a strong faith in God and a solid foundation for life, he spent his year sharing his knowledge with several South Korean students.

For those of us back here, it was a bag of mixed emotions.  We were all excited for him and this opportunity to spread his wings.  We were proud of his decision, yet unsure about where this would take him.  As grandparents, the first grandchild is almost like your own first child.   You want them to spread their wings, but you don’t want to let them go either.

His year came and went.  He learned about himself.  He discovered things that would help him in future decisions.  He became the independent bird, departing the nest and taking on a totally new life.

When it was time to decide what next year would bring, he made another decision.  He would spend time exploring places he’d never seen.  His adventurous spirit was calling to him.  He left South Korea with a feeling of accomplishment and set out for Thailand.   Then it was off to see Viet Nam.  He spent his time touring the cities, tasting new food, discovering points of interest he’d learned about many years prior.

As he journalized his travels on Instagram, I couldn’t help remembering the days of his early childhood, when he would pore over the World Book Encyclopedia in our living room bookcase.  His hunger for learning was evident even then.

After visiting Viet Nam, he headed for Israel and the holy city of Jerusalem. I couldn’t even begin to imagine the adventure he was on.  I remembered what I was doing at that age.  I was married for two years and going through the process of raising his mother.  Thoughts of traveling the globe were the furthest thing from my mind.  I was busy changing diapers while he was dipping his toes in the Dead Sea.  Visiting the core of the early Christian church must’ve been amazing.

Once more he was off to another part of the world. Greece was calling.  The city where St. Paul ministered to the first Christians.  Where the Acropolis is being restored and returned to it’s original glory.

He still has places to go and see before returning home. He bedded down at hostels  where he met others who were on a similar “gap” vacation.  He made new friends along the way.  What an opportunity. This experience will certainly have changed him.  Our prayers have been with this young man from the moment he made the decision to take on the world.  They will continue to be with him for the rest our time on this earth.

What’s next for this guy?  He will be thinking about that, I’m sure, as he criss-crosses the globe.  One thing I am confident of is that his strong faith will be tested as he travels through life.  He will have tough decisions to make for the future.  He will be different than when he left.  However a firm foundation was laid for him when he was brought to faith in his baptism.  We’ll continue to pray for him and our other grandchildren as the God presents more and more opportunities for them.

 

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YOU CAN’T HIDE

Posted on October 8, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Entwined with brush and branches, a refuge holds you tight,

The world is far away, you’re hidden from its sight,

The fear you hold inside, adrenaline excites,

But comfort still you know. It takes away your fright,

So quietly you lay, hanging on with all your might,

The clouded skies of heaven turn into endless night,

But you can’t hide forever. Your dreams lose their delight,

He knows your every move. From heaven sees your plight,

He sent His Son to save you and take away sin’s bite,

He changes hearts and minds, He’s turned dark into light,

You never have to hide again, He’s won the awful fight.

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WHO ARE YOU?

Posted on October 8, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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He sat there, gloating upon a mushroom.  He inhaled the fumes from a hookah and blew smoke rings in the air as he pompously asked Alice, “Whoooo are youuuuuu?   Who was he to ask?  Nothing more than a blue caterpillar with an attitude.  Of course, Alice was taken back and confused, but when you’re asked the same question, what’s your reply?  Who are you, really?

We wear all kinds of hats and masks in this life.  Some might be farmers and work the soil, while others have their nails manicured once a week to impress others.  Some wear crowns and others struggle to meet their budgets each month.  There are those who wear several masks as they journey through this earth.  A mom can also be a breadwinner, a cook, a laundress, a confidante, accountant, caretaker, wife, CEO and still have time to enjoy herself.  Who are you?

In this time in history, we can choose to be a Pinterest person, with ideas galore – perfect homes – amazing desserts crafted to please the eye as well as the taste buds.  Or we can display pictures of our world travels on Instagram and all the world will envy our good fortune.  We may have a certain persona on Facebook which exaggerates who we really are or we may write a blog to encourage others while we’re fighting depression ourselves.

There are many facades we display in this life.  Most of the time we hope to maintain a good reputation – a perfect life – intelligence – confidence and good vibes to others, but what happens when the truth about us comes out in a tweet, a photo, a word?

When we look in our mirror what do we see?  Is it an ordinary face reflecting back at me?  If we were to alter it and make it something it’s not, will that change the truth of who we are?  It might, for a while, but who are we fooling with this false image?

Today we’re exposed to so much untruth.  Fake news fills the air waves and printed word. We aren’t sure who is telling the truth anymore.  The facts are often so clouded, we wouldn’t recognize the truth if it were staring us in the face.  Our schools are filled with kids wearing braces to correct crooked teeth, undergoing plastic surgery and trying to decide what gender they are.  Our workplaces are filled with folks trying to get ahead by bending the truth.  We’re confused by who is who, not merely by the way they look, but how they live and behave.  With the intensity of social media, what we say and do can have a great impact on how we are viewed by others.

Emily Dickenson wrote a little poem in an entirely different time and place, called “I’m Nobody. Who are you?”

I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?
Then there’s a pair of us!
Don’t tell! they’d advertise – you know!

How dreary – to be – Somebody!
How public – like a Frog –
To tell one’s name – the livelong June –
To an admiring Bog!

Her thoughts seem to indicate that it’s much better to be anonymous than to be paraded about publicly.  Maybe our electronic era has produced a generation of those who think they’re somebody, but are nothing more than someone hiding behind a mask.  If we knew how very important we are to the One who created each of us, we would realize our worth.  Even though unworthy, we have been made perfect through the unconditional love of an amazing God.  Who are you?

 

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TO SLEEP PERCHANCE TO DREAM

Posted on October 7, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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I recall going to sleep as a child and my mom would tell me to have sweet dreams. The thought of having sweet dreams was comforting, because the real world wasn’t always that kind of escape.  In your dreams you can move from one situation to another in an instant and when it becomes too much to bear, you can wake up.

I’ve always been known to have unusual, unexplainable, indescribable and creative dreams.  On occasion my dreams have even helped me solve a problem.  For example – we had just completed auditions for “The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe,’ and there were three actors who could easily have played the White Witch.  That night, as I lay my head on my pillow, I had visions of a three headed, white witch. With some creative costuming and a sleigh that would accommodate all three, we were able to use all of them and in the process the part was played perfectly.

Lately I’ve been having more unusual dreams.  I often feel that the devil is within those visions, trying to draw me away from my God.  There are moments when every sin I’ve ever committed is laid out for the world to see.  It has even gone so far as to cause me not to want to go to sleep – perchance to dream.  When you get to be my age, you do a lot more sleeping.  The body slows down, the reflexes aren’t as sharp as they once were and like a newborn child, you simply need more of it.

When we come to the final journey of living, I imagine that we experience some doubts about what lies ahead. Even if we’re grounded in our faith, the devil is still active even when we sleep.  So my prayers lately have included requests for quiet sleep, with out dreams of any kind.  The sweet dreams of youth have long since passed away.

My prayer now is that God will grant me the rest I need and when my final day arrives, He will give me eternal peace.  I am confident that He will.

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OBSTACLES

Posted on October 7, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Rushing water,
Surging as it crashes,
Over broken rock,
And fallen trees,
Twisting and turning,
Undulating like a serpent,
Snaking its way through the forest,
Life giving water,
Flourishing with vitality,
Imprisoned by its boundaries,
Still following the path,
Carved out for it,
As in humanity,
On a collision course with life,
Obeying all the rules,
Doing our best,
Trying yet failing,
Melting down,
Stumbling,
Falling,
A catastrophe waiting to happen,
Within life’s disaster,
Our Savior walks with us,
Guiding our course,
Lifting us when we can no longer stand,
Supporting through all adversity,
The same Creator who made the river,
Allows us to crash and fall,
Yet guides us to still waters.

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PAINTING IDOLS

Posted on October 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

This morning, John, the eclectic contrarian, spoke about television as being an idol in today’s society.  It made me think of the ancients and their idols.  I’m posting a few of the set panels for “Such A Time As This,” a musical play I wrote about nine years ago.  My husband created the set for this play.  The idols they worshipped in that time period were nothing more than paintings or statues carved in stone.  They had no power.  They were merely facades or window dressing if you will.

The story of Esther from the Bible, shows a portrait of a beautiful woman who captured the heart of a king.  Through her, the children of Israel would be set free from their bondage once more.  Throughout the book, we hear no mention of God, but His presence is felt as the story unfolds.

There is the usual villain – Haman – who sets a plan in motion whereby he will gain power and status with the king.  He plots to have the Israelites exterminated.  In the meantime, the king has dismissed his favorite wife and is looking for a new one.  There is a beauty contest of sorts as women are paraded before him.  He  chooses Esther to be his wife.  She is watched over, from afar, by her uncle Mordecai, who faithfully listens at the gate for any information he can gather about her.

Throughout the story we see a lesson in patience coming into view. Waiting for just the right moment, Esther places her trust in God’s timing.  She was surrounded by all these false gods and things that went against everything she believed in, yet she waited.  Her patience paid off when she was able to accuse Haman of his wrong doing and send him to the gallows.  In so doing, her people were also set free.

It’s hard to wait.  Patience is one of those lessons that seems to follow us through life.  When we ask for it, we can almost assume there will be a test involved.  God is sharpening us with each one. Our human nature wants to interfere and get things done on our own timeline, rather than waiting for God’s plan to be fulfilled.  When it is completed, it isn’t always to our liking.  Still, God is using every event in our life as part of the plan He’s already mapped out for each of us.

Trusting in His love for us, we can rest secure in the fact that He is the true and only God.  Idols have no place in our lives, whatever they may be.  The foolishness of those who trust in them will only lead to sorrow and emptiness.  Our God is Omnipotent – all powerful – He is Omniscient – all knowing – and omnipresent – always with us.  We can count on Him to lead us in the right direction.

 

 

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DEFEATED?

Posted on October 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©
There will be days when you feel completely broken down –
Physically, emotionally, spiritually,
When every ounce of strength has been sapped,
When it seems you can no longer go on,
When life kicks and punches you,
When there seems no hope for tomorrow.

Where do you turn for restoration,                                                                                              Will you ever be the same,                                                                                                              Where do you go when your will has been crushed,
Where will you find relief,
When your lying on your back in complete submission,
The only place to look is up.

Turn to your Creator.
The God of the universe,
Your Savior, Redeemer and Comforter,
He can mend broken bodies,
He can lift your spirit beyond expectation,
He gives you new life, new strength.

He holds you firmly in the palm of His hand,                                                                                   You will feel His strength within you,                                                                                            With Him, you will soar with the eagles.                                                                                    You will meet Him face to face,                                                                                                           No more tears or sorrow will hover over you,                                                                               You will find eternal peace.

 

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on October 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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It’s October.  The month of howling things and stuff that goes bump in the night.  I’m stage managing a play called “Sleepy Hollow.”  I live in the Halloween Capitol of the World, right here in downtown Anoka, MN. The skies have been ashen grey for several days and we’re not about to see the sun for a while.  Going from the high 70s with tropical dew points on Monday, and quickly plunging to the 50s and lower is enough to shock anyone’s constitution.  It’s time to heat up the apple cider and hit the worn off keys of my computer’s keyboard.  Writing is a journey and a cold, dreary, dank and depressing day can be turned around instantly when you get in the groove.

There’s been little time to work on my novel, “Until Our Dying Day,” which I believe is done.  The next step is getting a publisher or publishing it myself.  The self publishing scene costs money, and thus I’m working to save enough to do so if the alternative doesn’t happen.

There are times in this journey, when life gets in the way, but reality is the fodder for writing, isn’t it?  Each experience we struggle and plod through, gives us more to write about.  It’s like adding another tool to the tool box.  There are days when I wonder why I am pursuing it.  I wonder if it’s ego or the need for self expression.  Why do writers write?  I guess it’s because we must.

My husband paints every day.  It’s not only to try new techniques or repair some old ones, but it keeps him on top of his game.  A body builder exercises every day to keep his body in shape and strong.  A dancer stretches muscles, twists and turns and dances on a regular basis, in order to maintain her craft.  A musician must practice his instrument often to get the proper sound.  A financial planner must keep up with market trends and investments to bring a profit to his customers.  To be good at something, it takes practice.

My book will be published some day.  Still it sits, untouched now for a month.  I feel somewhat guilty for staying away from it.  It’s almost like an unborn child waiting for its entrance into the world.  You know it’s safe within you, but you still want to see what’s next.  How will people react?  Will they enjoy the humor and tear up at the soft spots?  Will my description of the characters say enough about them?  The fears are endless, but at some point we must let go and let it soar on its own merits.

I write a blog daily.  I try to conceive some new poetry to accompany my husband’s beautiful and inspiring art work.  I stay involved in the theatre community, which energizes me.  I’ve learned to step away from all of it when necessary.  Words are sometimes hard to find, but I’ve never experienced all out writer’s block.  Maybe that’s the answer for all of us.  Even if our words aren’t classically crafted or they don’t make sense, getting something down on paper is critical. We may just be going through the motions of writing, but we may be creating something amazing.

Isn’t that true in all that we set out to do?  Practice, experiment, put words on paper and strive to come up with something that will touch another’s heart.

I write, because I must!

 

 

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WALLY’S FRIDAY FRYDADDY FUNNY

Posted on October 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on October 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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THE WORLD IN DARKNESS LAY

Posted on October 3, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

O_AlexandreSerrano_Vantablack_3_C

Can you imagine a world in complete darkness? It may seem that the haze covering our earth and intermingling with our thoughts, fears and dreams has shrouded our thinking and even our way of life.  When God plagued Egypt in the time of Moses, the ninth blight came in the form of unbearable and total darkness.  In this post from a while back, I explore what it would feel like to be in a world devoid of light.  Are we becoming lost in that abyss?  Has the absence of light imposed on us as feeling of hopelessness?

The following was originally posted on 6/24/2017.
His hand reached for the oil lamp in the darkness of night, but he remembered that he’d not filled it the night before. He was enveloped in the deepest darkness he had ever experienced. He strained to see even a tiny glimpse of light – just a faint whisper – Nothing. He groped, but still the blindness which had overcome him, left him hanging only to his other senses, and even they were permeated with the sullen blackness.
Usually after a time in a dark place, his eyes would’ve adjusted and eventually some semblance of his surroundings would appear, but not on that night. It had been a week of impossibilities.

He groped and felt his way around the room, knowing that his family lay asleep there, but here in this pitch black abyss he felt so alone – so lost. Maybe if he could just reach the door and open it, a tiny sliver of light might steal its way into his humble home.
Finally he felt the latch and opened the heavy wooden door. On the other side – more darkness, obliquity – only the stench of the last few days lingered in the dank air which surrounded him. This continued for three days and nights. The blackness of night could not be interrupted. Even as morning approach, the sun was hidden from view. The weight of it was more than anyone could bear.

When would this end? When would his eyes be free to view his surroundings? He didn’t deserve this punishment. Had someone come in the depths of his sleep and plucked his eyes out? Yet, there was no pain – only helplessness. Hopelessness encroached his heart.

Exodus 10:22-23 “So Moses stretched out his hand toward heaven, and there was pitch darkness in all the land of Egypt three days. They did not see one another, nor did anyone rise from his place for three days, but all the people of Israel had light where they lived.”

To live for three days in complete darkness must have been unbearable. We panic when the lights go out for a few minutes and our minds shut down after an hour or more, but we rarely experience complete or total darkness.

Can you imagine the fear that would enter your mind? Can you acknowledge your faith faltering – your courage failing – your hope dissolving into the murkiness? We are lost without light.  It is part of our being and without it we can’t find our way.

There is only one way to find the light and that is through the One who created it.  When Jesus came to fulfill His mission on earth He spoke to the people and said,

“I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

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ACTING FOR SENIORS

Posted on October 2, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

seniors-acting

I don’t know these women, but it sure looks like they’re having a good time. I will begin a new adventure today.  I’m going to be teaching a group of 55+ some dramatic skills.  These theatre games, scene work, improv, pantomime, vocal production and creative movement will stimulate the senses and get them outside the proverbial box.

Since I am a tried and true old person, it seems fitting that I should be teaching the class.  I have more than 40 years of drama instruction under my belt.  I’ve taught all ages except for this particular one.  I’m looking forward to meeting these new people and sharing some of my knowledge with them.

It seems there has been a real push on keeping our aging society moving, thinking, creating and still contributing in great ways.  The arts are a perfect avenue for this.  My husband is currently teaching an art enrichment program for retired citizens and his students are thriving and learning to do more than they thought they could.

Drama can be used in the same way.  When we get out of the groove of a structured schedule and a much slower pace of living, we could fall victim to depression, low self esteem and a sinking away from relationships.  By becoming a part of something fun like this, a person will become revitalized, the mind will be stimulated and they will feel they are bringing something back to the community they live in.

Pray that I don’t mess up – that I enjoy the experience as much as I hope they do and that my age doesn’t show too much.  I’ll keep you posted on how it goes.

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WHAT LIES BELOW

Posted on October 1, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

drain-the-swamp

During the last presidential election, we were promised by then candidate, Donald Trump, that he would drain the swamp of corruption which has invaded our land.  That sounded like a great idea to most of us every day citizens who are sick and tired of those profiting from the people rather than serving them.

From day one of his presidency, we were told by the losing party that they would make it their goal to impeach this man.  Thus began the division of a nation.  In these past three years we have been exposed to the draining of the swamp.

Just exactly what does that term mean.  Originally it was coined when there was a plague of malaria spreading mosquitos and the only way to deter them was to eliminate their habitat.  Over time the phrase seemed to wash over the political scene.  I’m sure this is nothing new.  In every age of a country’s history, there is the rise and then most likely the fall of a civilization.  The swamp consists of special interest groups – people out to line their pockets – those who come to service in the government with clean, pure hearts and are swiftly swept into the dark corners where they often sell their souls to survive.

When the proverbial swamp is drained all that is left is the ugliness that filled it.  What do we do with that?  Everyone’s sins will be made known on Judgment Day, but it seems the mission in our country today is to put every speck of dirt on display for all to see.  There have been accusations, investigations beyond belief, name calling, mud slinging and character assassinations.  Lives of upstanding people have been dragged through the dirt as reputations have been ruined by slander and lies.  And what ever happened to laws concerning libel and slander?

We are the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.  Where has our unity gone?  I pray that God will hear the prayers of the faithful and once again intercede.  We need Him now more than ever.

I’ve been trying ever so hard to put this away, to ignore it, but I’m reminded that those who do nothing or say nothing are just as guilty as those who are creating the problems.  We are a nation founded on people united and governed by those who serve rather than cause derision and hate.

So what are we to do?  I really wish I had the answer for that, because it would make me a rich woman, but that isn’t in my future.  I do know that we have got to get rid of the hostility and hatred that has permeated our schools, universities, the younger to the oldest generations.  Hate breeds nothing but anger and anger cannot accomplish anything.   Apparently contacting our governing officials doesn’t do much.  Even our votes are in question at times.  What will it take to get back on track.  I believe that God is the only answer to our dilemma.  He is the epitome of love and love will conquer all.

 

 

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