SHED BLOOD

Posted on August 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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This past few days have been filled with needless blood shed and death which serves no purpose other than to shock us and continue to numb us.  Whatever the source of discontent – if it be mental illness, hatred, brainwashing, whatever – it is pointless.  Our first instinct is to blame the weapon, but is it not the one who uses the weapon who commits the crime?  It seems we have become so consumed with the instrument of death, that we are not addressing the reason for the rage.

I have no knowledge of the inner workings of the human brain, but it seems to me that over the past few decades, we’ve become a country that will blame anything but the perpetrator.  We pass the buck so it makes us believe that we’re not responsible for our own actions.  The actions themselves are blamed because of a deranged mind – a false ideology – confusion of what is right and wrong and lack of self control.

Somewhere along the line, we have morphed into a society which holds a lack of moral fiber.  We have no one to blame but ourselves for the condition of our world.  We’re a product of our sin.  No one can claim perfection before God, without the saving grace of Him alone.

We’ll be hearing all kinds of theories on why and how these acts occurred.  There will be an uproar over gun control again.  There will be anger and hate and blame, but there will be no solution to this problem as long as we remain indifferent.  The basic tenets of humanity – value of human life – loving others as ourselves – helping each other get through the difficulties of living – turning to God, the One who loved so much that He shed blood to save us from an eternity in hell – must return.  We are all responsible for each other and I fear we’ve fallen a lifetime away from that.

In 2016 I wrote this after the horrible terrorist attacks in Paris.  This time streets are different.  The location is within our own boundaries.  The lives taken are those of brothers, sister, sons, daughters, mothers and fathers who were part of someone else’s life.  They can never be replaced.

Pools of crimson stain the streets.

People running, hiding, covering themselves and those near them,

Fear ensues, then pain, followed by anger and rage,

Faces and heads shrouded in black,

Too cowardly to show themselves,

Thoughts of waging a righteous war against those who don’t believe as they do,

Brainwashed into thinking they are doing this for their god.

Misdirected, searching, groping for something to believe in – something to hang on to,

Do they find peace in causing others pain or in ending lives?

Where is the righteousness?

Blood flows from a beaten, smitten corpse,

Hanging on an instrument of torture,

This One not taking life, but giving it through His own precious blood.

That is righteousness, bought and paid for the ugliest of us.

Refreshing, cleansing rain falls softly on an eager earth,

Thirsting for relief and longing for renewal and rebirth.

The tears of God bring respite for the dying soul,

He gave His only Son to fill a gaping hole,

The hole that widens every day,

When we forget to turn to Him and pray,

As branches dance and lightening fills the air,

I think of Him who takes away each care.

We see the need for God’s power to inspire us once again,

To cleanse our hearts and wash souls in His refreshing rain.

 

 

 

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NO CHURCH TODAY

Posted on August 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Going to church for me has been a part of Sunday for as long as I can remember.  When I don’t go, I feel something is missing.  Today is one of those days.  For a couple days this week, the humidity has been low and I felt confident enough to tackle some work in the garden.  Even though I only spent an hour or two, my allergies flared up and eventually congestion wound up in my bronchial tubes.  That and the fact that my husband is just getting over a virus which set him coughing for two weeks, has me staying home from church today.  My cough could wake the dead and I really don’t want to pass this on to anyone else.

The act of church attendance isn’t what gets us to heaven, but it can be an exceptional habit.  When we reserve one special day a week to praise our God, thank and worship Him, we’re also making a connection with Him.  Of course we can do that any time or any day, but setting one day aside for Him reminds us of all He’s done for us.  Fortunately our church offers Wednesday night services for those who can’t make it on Sunday.  Hopefully I will feel better by then.

Attending church services gives us the confidence to face another week.  We can share concerns for our fellow Christians, partake in the sacraments, sing beautiful hymns of praise, repent of our sins, ask for forgiveness and gratefully receive it. Through corporate worship we can also lift each other’s spirits, know that God is in our midst and get motivated to share the good news of the Gospel with others.

Some folks say the church is full of hypocrites – people who act one way on Sundays and completely different the rest of the week.  The church is full of sinners who need to be forgiven and nourished.  God invites everyone to share in His blessings when He calls us to His house.

PSALM 95:1-2  Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!  Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving;  let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise!

 

 

 

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MY FIRST VACATION WITH MY HUSBAND

Posted on August 3, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Picture this – it was almost fifty five years ago as my new husband and I embarked on our first vacation as a married couple.  I know this would be considered ancient history in our culture today, but we’d only traveled together once before.  That was during our senior class trip and we were surrounded by classmates, teachers and chaperones.  Even though this was a different time and place it was hard to steal a kiss much less do anything more.

We were one of those couples who waited until our wedding night to consummate our love for one another.  Our wedding day was held on the opening day of bow and arrow deer hunting season.  Imagine how much harassing my new husband took for giving up this day in lieu of me.  It was the first sacrifice of great merit that he actually made for me.  There would be many more.

Our honeymoon trip was set.  The first few days were spent driving through the North Shore of Wisconsin and Minnesota. It was the height of autumn colors.  Trees had turned to rust, gold and crimson and were dotting the countryside like blobs of paint on an artist’s palette.  We were blessed with beautiful weather and stayed in lovely accommodations and treated royally along the way.

On our way home, we drove through the farm country of Wisconsin, where I’d spent most of my summer vacations as a child.   It was forested with tall, white pines and lots of unsuspecting deer traveling through.    We stopped at my grandparents’ farm for a visit.   I could tell Paul was itching to get into the woods.  My grandpa’s encouragement about shooting many a deer on old county road whatever it was, became tantamount to putting the icing on the cake.

As his brand new wife, I said I would go too.  Of course I wouldn’t get out of the car while he hunted, bur  he would also know that I wanted to be involved in some way.  I still wondered if he planned on hunting all along, because he managed to tuck his bow and arrows deep within the trunk.

So we reached old country road whatever it was, parked, he kissed me goodbye and headed for the woods.  I sat back  in the seat of the car and began to read  a book I’d brought along.  Time seemed to press on slowly.  What seemed like hours wasn’t more than several minutes.  I became bored with the book.  I watched out the window and became more and more concerned for my new husband.

Had he decided to ditch me in favor of a fuzzy animal with horns?  Was he having difficulty getting the dead buck out of the woods?  Had a wild animal torn him to shreds?  Had he become victim of a pool of quicksand and needed me to help him get out?  So I did the only logical thing I could think to do.  I beeped the horn!

This was acting in the moment, mind you.  Any presence of sanity had already flown out the window.  It wasn’t long before my husband appeared at the edge of the woods.  His face was red and angry.  I breathed a sigh of relief since he was all in one piece.  Little did I know that he had come upon a majestic 14 point buck, was just pulling back on his bow when a car horn went off.  I’d never seen him so angry.  He opened the trunk and threw his weaponry in.  He opened the car door, raging like a bull in a china shop.  Little did he know that I was the one responsible for beeping the horn.  No one could be that stupid.

That laid the groundwork for our marriage.  I admitted to laying on the horn.  I cried.  He asked to be forgiven for flying off the handle.  We kissed and made up.  I have never gone hunting with my husband since.  We are still married after almost fifty five years.  Maybe I learned the secret to a long marriage on that day.

 

 

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THE GREAT I AM

Posted on August 3, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

 

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ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A few years ago, my husband Paul, was commissioned to paint a mural in the commons area of our church’s Christian Day School.  The mural was the center piece of several smaller paintings which were painted around the school by students who had a flare for art.

The choice for the great I AM was made.  God is so many things to us.  He is our encourager, our comforter, salvation, our Father, Creator, guide and so much more.  In the New Testament, we’re introduced to His Son, Jesus.  He was there at the beginning, along with the Holy Spirit and God, the Father.  Three individual entities, yet One God.

Jesus was sent to earth to fulfill a promise made to man in the Garden of Eden.  He would crush the serpent and the serpent would in turn bruise Him.  He would also provide for our earthly and spiritual needs. He suffered great humiliation as He walked the earth as a man, but He never lost sight of His mission.  He came to save the world from the guilt of sin.

By His wounds we are healed.

He also tells us this, “Before Abraham was born, I am.”  He is, He was and He always will be.

“I am the bread of life; he who comes to Me shall not hunger.” John 6:35

“I am the light of the world; he who fallows Me shall not walk in the darkness, but shall have the light of life.” John 8:12    

“I am the gate; if anyone enters through Me, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture.” John 10:9                        

 “I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for His sheep.” John 10:11

“I am the resurrection and the life; he who believes in Me shall live even if he dies.” John 11:25

“I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father, but through Me.” John 14:6                          

“I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1

The Holy Trinity is difficult to understand.  To most it seems impossible, but through faith, we believe, because God tells us it is true.

The mural contains many hidden scenes depicting who God is.  They’re blended into a montage of sorts.  God clearly states who He is.  We have to search the scriptures to find Him, but He is there.  Whenever we aren’t clear about that, turn to His Word to discover who He is and how He works within and through us every day.

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on August 2, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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WALLY’S FRY DADDY FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on August 2, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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FAMILY ROAD TRIPS

Posted on August 1, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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This image is close to what it looked like when we traveled with our young children.  Unlike today, maps are seldom used.  Instead we plug into a GPS or ask SIRI.  We included the family dog, because we couldn’t afford boarding, nor did we have a family member to take care of him.  Dad was totally focused on the road, mainly to shut out the noise of the kids and mom acted as navigator, also to avoid communicating with the kids.

Today, instead of singing camp songs, each child has a set of earphones and so do the parents.  Kids are often on their phones either texting or playing games or filling their brains with indecipherable music.  Mom listens to her own kind of music and dad continues to tune everyone out and focuses on the road.  If they have anything important to say – like stopping for a potty break or a snack – they text each other within the car.  Even in a car of five living human beings and a dog, they make very little human connection.  Of course the dog is up for it, but he doesn’t know how to talk, so he looks out the window and slurps all over it so no one could see outside if they wanted to.

So what do parents talk about with their children?  What do kids have to say to their parents?  You might start by asking questions.  What did you think about that last place we visited?  What was it like taking a vacation in the old days?  How are things going in your life?  Are we there yet?

You have that audience available to advise, share memories, to counsel and encourage.  You wouldn’t expect those chauffeuring moments to create long time bonding, but they do.  Certainly many cab drivers get an earful when delivering their patrons to their destination.

Lots of good family connection can be obtained when deled out in the car.  You can use that valuable time to get to know each other.  Since we live in a world which revolves around getting from one place to another, those precious moments can be a boon to parenting.  There is nothing like open communication.

Treasure the time you have with your children. Soon they will be leading their own lives and it’s good to know that they can talk to you anytime – even in the car.  As parents we are setting the example for how they will parent in the future.  They need to know that they are loved, cherished and worthy of listening to.  Too many things are left unsaid today – things that can change the course of a child’s life.  On the other hand, if a parent is opening the door to communication with their children at an early age, they’re setting a precedent which will last for a lifetime.

“Train up a child in the way he should go; and when he is old, he will not depart from it.”

Proverbs 22:6

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DAYLIGHT IS A BURNIN’

Posted on July 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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One of the points of taking a vacation is to forget about all the things you should be doing.  You should set your brain at idle and focus on nothing.  You’re expected to fritter away the hours and consort with the flowers.

Well, since I’ve retired, I often feel like I’m on a virtual vacation.  After years of working hard (blame my engrained work ethic) it’s difficult to simply shut down.  However this is what’s expected of us when we take a vacation during our working years.  You plan for weeks and sometimes months.  You scrimp and save so you can afford to do the things you enjoy.  You pack way too much.  The whole ordeal of planning a vacation is a job in itself.

Everything is planned down to the smallest detail, but to be truthful, you never really know where the adventure will take you – what obstacles you may encounter – how soon you’ll run out of money – will you need a vacation from your vacation when you return home.

Sometimes the best vacations are those which are unplanned. Now that we’re on a “fixed” income, we have opted for short road trips that take no longer than a day. We’ve discovered some really beautiful country right in our own backyard.  Improvisation has always been my forte’ (ask my acting friends) so doing things on the fly can be fun as well as cheap.  Never underestimate the power of a senior mind.  The local ice cream shop has been a favorite spot to visit.  We’ve enjoyed driving through the nature trails of some of the nearby state parks.  Sometimes we stop and visit a small town and simply enjoy the simplicity of old time living.  There are tons of beautiful lakes and resort towns where we live.

When we age, however, we never know what condition we’re going to be in from day to day.  For the past two weeks I’ve been catching up on my sleep following acting in another show.  I’ve discovered new aches and pains, probably hidden because the show had to go on.  When you work at full blast for a while, it takes us a lot longer to recover.

So now that our days are growing shorter and our time on this planet is limited, what should we do? Well, we could succumb to aging and wait until our number is up, or we could challenge ourselves once more and once more again.  Every day is a gift no matter what you’re age.  Enjoy every one of them while you can.

 

 

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ANTHEMIC

Posted on July 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL T. & KATHY BOECHER©

Churning,

Swirling,

Pulsated by the turbulence,

of energy,

The long, leafy, lavish limbs

Undulate, under the  rhythm,

Of God’s breath,

Up and down, here and there, tossing, stirring,

His inspiration comes in the wind,

His Words have been breathed,

Into the hearts of men,

He speaks to us through them,

He never grows tired,

Never spent of energy,

Never sleeps,

Breathe life into me, Holy Spirit,

That my remaining days,

May be a testimony to you.

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Posted on July 30, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

 

Like a giant vacuum, sucking vapor from the earth,

Descending down from heaven, like angels in their mirth,

Billowing up so very high, the sky can barely hold them,

Sprays of multi-colors rise, kisses and enfolds them,

Cotton candy on a stick, with gossamer wings that fly,

Mottled pink and mauve connect, confection for the eye,

Striated up above the world in a myriad of shades,

They act just like a fortress, of powerful palisades.

When night time comes they disappear from our imperfect vision,

But when the sun returns again,  they come back with precision,

God’s own strong hand has placed them there so we would find some peace,

He also opens up the sky and shares in their release.

 

 

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SUM, SUM, SUMMERTIME

Posted on July 30, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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We’re two thirds of the way through summer and this time of year always brings memories of family travels.  At the start of these adventures our kids were still quite young, so everything was exciting – like looking at the largest ball of string, or stopping for an ice cream cone.  As years progressed, their interests changed.  Travel meant giving up the video games they normally played on their Nintendo.

In the old days we would sing silly camp songs like “Comin’ Round the Mountain,”      “B-I-N-G-O Was His Name,” “Old McDonald Had a Farm,” and the like.  Eventually those songs were no longer fun.  Instead they were replaced with earphones and their own kind of music.  I persisted in getting a song started, but never got much attention, especially when I began singing theme songs from TV shows.

During those years, in spite of each new distraction, we continued to enjoy the scenery.  We would stop and look around, eat our lunch at a wayside, breathe in fresh air and talk to each other.  All the stops were necessary because with two teenagers and one tween the air wasn’t always fresh.  Not only that, but the car was beginning to fill with empty potato chip bags, orange and banana peelings and half devoured bottles of water.  During those stops, we’d often stretch our legs and take a little walk to explore some of the beautiful countryside.

Family vacations can be disastrous or filled with laughter and fond memories.  Our first camping experience in Yellowstone was one example.  We set up the tent, got all of our food on the table, began cooking over an open fire, enjoyed the fresh air (again) and noticed signs which said, “Beware of bears in the area.”  I have never been an adventurous soul, so the thought of having bears sleeping right next to our tent and possibly devouring our food and maybe us, was not an option.  I believe I slept with my eyes and ears open.  My children and husband sawed enough wood to keep our fire burning for days.  Not referring to actual wood here.

The next morning we noticed signs of bear being in the area.  The rubbed off fur on a tree right next to our tent was proof.  I slept in the van for the rest of the trip.

Occasionally we’d treat ourselves to a night in a motel, with real beds and pillows, indoor plumbing and a continental breakfast.  There was no wildlife in the vicinity, other than the partiers who stayed up all night making noise.

Making these excursions can be most rewarding.  You have a captive audience for a few hundred miles at a time (usually) so you can actually talk to each other.  Some of the most memorable conversations are held in a car where the passengers are locked into their seat belts and they can’t escape from a moving vehicle.

Think of the family vacation as a chance to build memories, to bond with your children, to make them look forward to the next one and find things to do that will appeal to everyone without breaking the bank.

For the rest of the week, I’ll be sharing some of our family vacations with you – no photographs though. There are many great parenting lessons to be learned when you travel together.

 

 

 

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A QUIET PLACE

Posted on July 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; he adorns the humble with salvation.  Psalm 149:4

Where does your peace come from?  Is it in a quiet place in nature or a moment free from the clamor of daily living?  The Lord, God – Creator of the Universe and all that is in it – invites us to find solace in Him.  He clothes us in His righteousness.  His love endures forever.

 

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WE ALL HAVE SPECIAL NEEDS

Posted on July 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Yesterday our church had a guest speaker.  His ministry is devoted to bringing the good news of the Gospel to children and young people with special needs.  The fact that he is also a parent of a special needs child is a great testament to what he believes.  The one thing needful for those with disabilities as well as their families is to know they have a hard road ahead, but that God is with them through the journey.  I was struck by one thing he had to say.  He mentioned the that there are still places in the world that believe having a disabled child is tantamount to being cursed by God.  Those with special needs are often looked upon in a different way and even scoffed by society right here in our own country.

On Wednesday of this week, the theatre I have been associated with for the past two years is producing the musical version of “Aladdin, Jr.,” which includes a cast of special needs kids.  Each child has some kind of disability, whether it be emotional, physical or medical.  They have been paired with mentors who have some theatrical experience and have been working together for the past four months.  In that time, they’ve been learning lines, lyrics and music to songs, choreography and how exciting it is to be part of an experience like this.  They’ve also developed lasting friendships and realize they can do something they never thought possible.

My church is planning a ministry devoted to bringing the Gospel to those with special needs. We were given an example of how this would be implemented with music, various musical instruments, interaction and a simple Bible message that includes them.  My theatre friends are in their second year of producing stage shows designed to showcase abilities rather than disabilities.

It occurs to me that we are all people with special needs.  In spite of what society has to say about abortion, each life is a gift from God.  He knew us before our birth.  He crafted us in a unique way – different from each other, yet the same.  Some of us have more financial problems than others.  Some struggle with relationships.  There are those who suffer from anxiety, depression, anger or fear.  Those who bully are often as much in need as those being bullied.  Many grow up in poverty, believing there is no hope for them.  Even those who have great wealth have their problems.

Every human being has some kind of need.  We may not look that way on the outside, but inside hearts are breaking and longing for repair.  We all need to know that we have a purpose in life – that what we do matters – that someone loves us beyond measure – that there is hope.  The only One who can fill those needs is the One who came to live among us.  He experienced all the pain, suffering, hatred, grief and sorrow that we do.  He knows full well what we’re going through.  He laid down His life so that we could some day live with Him in paradise.

We all have special needs.  Some are harder to overcome than others, but through faith in the One who created life, we can endure it.  When we know we’re loved and treasured by God, we can move mountains.

 

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AGING WITH A PLAN – PART V – 90 & UP

Posted on July 28, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

 

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Nonagenarians now represent 4.7 percent of the 65-and-older US population, compared to 2.8 percent in 1980.  The U.S. Census Bureau has estimated that by 2050, the number of those living beyond 90 years will quadruple.

By the time we reach that age, we may have lost our spouse, other family members and most of our friends.  We’ll have some disability which takes away much of our freedom.  Driving a car is usually out of the question, although I know several folks who continue to drive at this age.  They are less likely to be texting or drinking while driving, but their reflexes aren’t what they used to be.

When you live until 90 and beyond, the body no longer produces new cells to replace the old ones, so at this age you are slowly dying.  There are options for those with need of memory care.  Many facilities are now offering activities that challenge the memory and often those who love music will be stimulated by the sound of a piano playing.  Those who have forgotten members of their family can be reminded through old photographs, stories from the past and more contact with family members.  Anything that keeps the mind active is critical at this point in life.  Our bodies may be falling apart, but if our minds are sound, we can live for a long time.

When we’re without a spouse or friends to rely on, many in this age bracket realize the need for moving out of the supposed comfort of their homes into a community of people with similar needs.  I believe that most people thrive on other people.  When we isolate ourselves, we lose interest in life.  If we were socially active in our younger years, chances are we’ll want that in our aging years.

Many people do very well in nursing homes or assisted living facilities for that very reason.  Activity directors are constantly looking for new things for their residents to be involved in.  My mother in law spent almost the last twenty years of her life in a care facility and loved it.  There are those who simply think this is the end of their lives and give up.  You will see them lined up in their wheel chairs with no desire to go on.

Since we’re living longer in the United States, we need to make the most of those years.  God still can use us, no matter what our age.  It’s up to us to find a way to continue sharing our talents and wisdom for His glory, until we take our last breath.

EPILOGUE:

The final scene is set.  The pieces have all been placed.  The player enters the stage for his last monologue.  It is the prayer of a faithful servant – the final words you utter – the lasting impression you’ve made on others – the heritage you leave behind.

Death comes to us all.  Are we ready?  Right now, I’ve mixed feelings about leaving this planet. I’m confident in what lies ahead, but I’ve grown quite accustomed to this place.  I have memories stored here of happiness, dreams fulfilled, goals met.  I’ve a husband I’ve shared most of my life with – three children I’ve given birth to – grandchildren and someday even great grandchildren. I’ve an extended family of friends, people I’ve reached out to and those who have enriched my life.  It’s hard to say goodbye to those things.

Jesus spent only 33 years on earth.  He gave up His throne in heaven to become one of us.  He lived among us, establishing relationships, touching lives, healing the sick and bringing hope to a world infected with sin. In just a short time, His life changed ours forever.  He submitted to His Father’s will, because of His love for us.  Those who have faith in Him will never die.  Eternity waits for all of us.  Our faith, which is a gift from the Holy Spirit, will determine where we spend it.

If I didn’t have that hope to cling to, I’d never have made it.  All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s expectations.  We need a Savior to make us right with God – to pay the price – to die so we can live.  Jesus’ life didn’t end there.  He conquered death when he rose again on the third day. That truth insures us of everlasting life in God’s house.

What will I do in heaven?  I have no clue, but I’m certain I’ll be free from sickness, there will be no suffering or tears, all my infirmities will be healed, I will have reached the final goal – the last chapter.  Maybe there will be a job for an old acting coach up there.  Of course I won’t be old then.  I’ll be able to do whatever God has in store for me, because I will have a new ageless body with energy to spare.  Now that’s what I call paradise.

We really don’t need to prepare for heaven, because it’s all been made ready for us, by the Creator of all things.  He has done it all for us.  All we need do is believe.

“While I thought that I was learning how to live, I have been learning how to die.” Leonardo da Vinci

 

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QUIET AFTER THE STORM

Posted on July 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

We search in vain for a place empty of confusion,

All the trappings of the world bring no relief,

The noise of life overtakes us.

We run to the mountains for serenity,

We hide in the meadow near a quiet stream,

We sail away from the pack to be alone,

But the sound of a jackhammer penetrates the silence,

The voices of anger rage around us,

The tempest of fear stirs within us,

True peace can only be obtained in the Son of God,

The Prince of Peace.

Come to Him for needed rest.

 

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep; for you alone, O Lord, make me dwell in safety.”  Psalm 4:8

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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AGING WITH A PLAN PART IV – 80-90

Posted on July 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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You are now part of an elite group of survivors.  The ages between 80 and 90 are reserved for those who still have much to give the world or those who have been filled with new parts that won’t give up.  Anyone who lives this long deserves a medal. By most standards, I have a good chance of making it.

All of us are told to live clean and healthy lives – limited alcohol, no smoking, don’t do drugs, staying in shape, don’t overeat or indulge in excess.  Everyone of us has strayed from the rules over time, yet if we manage to stay alive through our 80s, we also have modern science to thank.  Be honest folks.  If you haven’t sown of few wild oats in your life by this time, you aren’t part of the human race.  Even if our lives have been stained by years of abuse, there’s hope for each one of us.

Eventually our stamina gives out.  We may have new hips, restored knees, a replaced heart, but we’re not dead yet. We may look like we’re ready for the grave, but if we breathe and have a heart beat, we’re still alive.

If you’ve planned for your retirement years, you can maintain your health, eat right, join a health club, continue to be an asset to society.  Oneta Hayes over at Sweet Aroma keeps her mind sharp and fills Word Press with words of encouragement. She continues going strong in her 80s.

Sagging is common to almost every Octogenarian.  Skin has lost its elasticity.  We bruise easily.  Our bones have become fragile, due to Osteoporosis.  Many have survived life draining diseases. We fill our bodies with supplements, prescription drugs and the object of every cure for whatever ails us.  We are easily scammed because we’ve developed the ability to trust others over time.  We aren’t used to technology and still use the written word, even though our handwriting has become undecipherable.  We try to make it through the day without a nap, but like our infant counterparts, we need more sleep. It isn’t unusual to fall asleep in mid-sentence.

On the other hand, if our minds are still sharp, we can overcome great odds  We can still do crossword puzzles or outdo anyone on Wheel of Fortune.  We have a plethora of stories to tell from an abundance of time spent on earth.  If the Holy Spirit has nourished us through the study of the Bible, we can do amazing things.  You also have an eternity to look forward to which will far outshine this one.  You are ready for heaven now more than ever,  but you may have something more to offer this world.

It’s all part of a greater plan, designed by God Himself.  Each of us is part of that master plan and God’s work is being done through us.  No matter what our age, if God is at the center of it, we can’t lose.

I have a few years to go to reach this age bracket, but I’ve seen what happens from those who have made it through.  There’s something about accomplishing that many years that makes a person worth listening to and watching.  They’re either doing everything right, or they still have something to do.  The memories stored from the previous eighty or more years may become a little foggy, but with help from an active imagination, the stories can become hilarious reminders of a life well lived.

“Life is like a ten speed bicycle. Most of us have gears we never use.” 

Charles M. Schultz

 

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on July 26, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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I’m back in the saddle again.  After six or so weeks of rehearsals and performances it’s time to return to my novel.  So I’m turning in my acting hat for my writing chapeau once more.  I have had four people read my book.  Two have actually gone through the entire piece – one masterfully editing as she went.  All of the readers said they loved the characters and enjoyed getting to know them and be part of their lives for a while.  They encouraged me by saying they felt the characters were well developed, honest and they became connected through the reading.  They liked my descriptive style and felt as though the were actually in the place and situations which the characters encountered throughout their lives.

Almost all of them felt the beginning lacked a hook or attention getter, so I will be working on that this coming week.  It’s always good to have construction criticism.  I trust all of these four, because I know they are being honest with me and want me to succeed as much as I do.

So press on we must, for the race is not over.  I am up for the challenge and will employ many of my friends’ tidbits of advice.  At times it feels I will never be done, but I also know that perseverance pays off.  I think we need to pat ourselves on the back at times too.  Writing is a lonely process, where you pour out your inner thoughts and your desire is to entertain the reader – to grab them from the start – pull them into the story – make them anxious to turn the page – let the story unfold through the characters.  Since we don’t always have someone to guide us through, we have to depend on our own ability and just go for it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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WALLY’S FRY DADDY FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on July 26, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on July 26, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

yoda-offended-333

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AGING WITH A PLAN – PART III – 80-90

Posted on July 26, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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A commercial came out recently showing people in their 70s and 80s still in the workplace.  There’s the fireman who weighs about 80 pounds, trying to handle a gigantic fire hose.  We see an elder woman as a DJ while another entertains as a lounge singer. A fairly fit man runs alongside Baywatch types as a lifeguard on the beach.  The thought of oldsters still working at this time is astonishing to the younger generation.  Soon they’ll be walking in our shoes.

Since turning 70, we’ve attended more funerals than I care to think about. Our friends are all beginning to look so old. The mail we get now has to do with cemetery plots, will preparation and opting for cremation. Death is the final chapter of life on this earth and most of us resist it with all our hearts. Those of us who still have our memories, want to share our story with others. We feel we have something important yet to say or do. Somehow, the elderly have been pigeon holed into their own category – “over the hill,” close to “pushing up daisies” and not useful anymore.

We require more sleep. We may need help getting around. Some lose their ability to live alone and require constant attention. When the aged are moved to nursing homes it’s like the end of living for many. They’re now confined to one room. They can’t cook their own meals or tie their own shoes. They’re encouraged to participate in games and other activities, but they don’t find real joy in any of those things. They give up, but it doesn’t have to be that way.

I believe exercising  our minds, just like we exercise our bodies is essential during this decade. Any kind of activity that challenges brain work, requires memory focus, makes one think spontaneously is really important. As a senior approaching the next decade in a few years, I hope to start a drama program for folks 60 and up. In my opinion this activity covers all those things. You have to be prepared, memorize, be ready to improvise, learn about your character and many other things which is like doing push ups with your brain. It also gets you on your feet and moving.

Blending the older generation with the young can also beneficial to both. The wisdom of the elderly can help the youngsters understand things going on in their lives. The youngsters can help their elders understand the new technology and share some of the things they love to do.  It’s  a different kind of heart condition that many in this age group concern themselves with.  It allows you to give the best of yourself. If we’re going through serious illness or disability, we can’t be involved as we’d like to be, but we can still keep other in our prayers.

I sort of dread turning 80, because it used to seem like the age of endings. I wonder how much longer I have on this planet. I wonder how much worse the state of the world can get. I don’t understand how things have turned upside down in just my lifetime. Then I realize how eager I am to finish this journey and start a new one.   It’s just the prologue to a new beginning – one that will last to eternity.

HOW TO STAY ACTIVE DURING THE SEVENTH DECADE IN LIFE

  • Get out of bed each morning with a prayer of thanksgiving that you made it through another night.
  • Exercise – If you’re my age, exercise consists of the act of getting out of bed – but you can take it a step further.  The real challenge is reaching for things that are too high, or thinking of more than one thing to do while you’re down on the floor.  These can be your stretches.  As you go through the day, keep track of your steps with one of those fancy new contraptions.  You’d be surprised how quickly those three or four steps add up. Lay on your back for half an hour.  This is called planking.  The truth is, your body is going to resist any kind of physical activity at this age.  You have to push through that resistance and give it a shot at least.
  • Eat right – My philosophy on dieting at this age is not to bother.  I’ve spent most of my life on diets and none of them seem to work.  I firmly believe that if you don’t have diabetes or heart problems, you should eat what you like.  You don’t have many years left to enjoy life so you might as well make the most of it.  I love food, therefore I eat.
  • Stay positive – It’s easy for us to sit around and feel sorry for ourselves.  If we let this happen we are dooming ourselves to a non-existent existence.  Most folks our age feel they have the right to be grumpy.  After all the world owes them, right?  Actually the world owes us nothing.  We owe those we come into contact with a pleasant experience.  If we want to be treated with respect and honor, we need to treat others in the same way.
  • Find a hobby or get a job –  Quitting your job isn’t easy.  Especially if you enjoyed the work you did while in the work force.  When you retire you don’t have to give up completely.  If you do, you are cutting a piece of your life out of the picture and you work is what defined you as you passed through your middle years.  You can consider being a free lance consultant, assist as a volunteer in your field, continue working as long as you’re physically able, or share your wisdom with the younger generation.  If you don’t want to work anymore, think of places to travel.  It can be a one hour drive in the country and a picnic with your spouse or a trip to Europe, depending on your budget.
  • Stop thinking so much about death – During this time of life our friends are dropping like flies.  It’s hard to avoid the subject, but if you’re constantly thinking about dying, you don’t have time to enjoy the rest of your living.  God still has a purpose for us even as we approach the age of 80.
  • Stay involved in the community.  People are always looking for volunteers.  Being with others is critical to your well being.  Isolation is not an option.
  • Slow down and smell the roses – You’ve worked hard all your life  You’ve seen success and you’ve endured failure. Our bodies naturally slow down at this age, so let the aging process happen and embrace the fact that you’ve made it this far.

A lot of what I’ve listed above is a bit tongue in cheek, but I feel humor plays an important role in the aging process.  My maternal grandmother lived through the death of five of her children as well as her husband.  She died at age 76, because she felt her purpose in life was over.  She died of heart failure.  Until her death, she still maintained her sense of humor.  We never lose our purpose.  God has wonderful things in store for us beyond the grave, but we also have the rest of our lives to make the most of.

“My comfort is that old age, that ill layer of beauty can do no more spoil upon my face.”  William Shakespeare – HENRY V

 

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