ACUMEN

Posted on June 7, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

Complexity-Cartoon

Searching for wisdom is as old as time itself.  Ever since man fell into Satan’s arms, there is a need to prove ourselves.  A word like acumen isn’t used much today in regard to wisdom.  It is more akin to being shrewd, visionary, somewhat like what is commonly called the American business man or woman.

The traits associated with this word have a slightly negative slant.  We’re always looking for solutions to problems and maybe duct tape is the only answer.  Maybe the solutions don’t require a master’s degree or years of personal experience.

I believe our current president is a man filled with acumen.  He knows how to seal a deal.  He has tremendous business savvy.  He knows how to solve problems and build teams that will advise him.  He has the ability to see the best and worst of people.  He is a people person.  He knows what the people want and deserve.  He loves his country.  Does all of that acumen make him a wise man?

This little word carries a lot of punch.  It was literally derived from the Latin word which meant to sting with something sharp, thus mental sharpness or shrewdness.  Again it’s not a word used much today.  The truth is, the word wisdom has morphed into acumen, which gives it a more negative meaning.  When we begin to feel superior to the One who made the rain and causes storms filled with torrential wind and power – when we think we know better that the One who formed man out of the dust of the earth – when we believe we don’t need God’s intervention, our wisdom becomes tarnished and it becomes lost to us.

Job 28 speaks about where our true acumen comes from.

“And he said to man, ‘Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom,
and to turn away from evil is understanding.’”

The fear referred to  is not a terror filled fear, but one of great honor and awe for the One who gives it.  When we place Him first in our lives, everything else falls into place.  Wisdom is a gift from God.  It comes from searching His Word on a daily basis – looking for the truth.  It is a manual for living, for aging, for parenting, for relationships, for everything we will ever be exposed to on this planet.  This awesome gift should be cherished.  It has remained for centuries and will continue until Jesus returns again.

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WALLY’S FRYDADDY FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on June 7, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on June 7, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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THE PRIDE OF OUR NATION

Posted on June 6, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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The theater of battle was filled with trucks, tanks, warships and frightened men who weren’t sure of ever returning home.  As they faced what seemed to be an unbeatable force, the fear of death had to be at the forefront of their minds.

There were the seasoned officers, who had already faced death.  There were the non-commissioned officers on the ground who  took over for their commanding officers as they fell in battle.  There were the young, frightened, shell shocked and those who had no clue what lay ahead for them.

Our young people don’t hear much about these decisive battles anymore.  Unfortunately history has become  something that offends rather than teaches.  Do we not have an obligation to look at our past so these things will never have to happen again – or at least at such a great cost?  Our kids need to know about the courage of placing your life on the line for your country.  They have to be taught about the perils of war – the blood shed – the wounded warriors returning without limbs and scarred emotionally for the rest of their lives.

Those young men sat waiting to face death, huddled in landing crafts with only their fears to assail them and their prayers to give them strength and comfort. Adrenaline was pumping, courage was building, their short lives passed quickly before their eyes. The seas remained rough, the skies filled with dark clouds as the waves crashed as the weight of it all grew heavy.  When they reached the beach, the ramp would be lowered and two hundred troops would emerge with guns drawn, to face a  barrage of certain death.  It was the largest amphibious invasion in history to that point.

There are still a few veterans who have memories of this battle engraved into their minds.  Those who came home would face flash backs, depression and other related emotional problems.  Many would be hailed as heroes, but few felt they deserved the honor.  The true definition of hero is someone who does what is necessary for the benefit of his fellow man without question.  They just do it.

More than 9000 allied troops lost their lives or were wounded in the invasion, but this battle would eventually allow 100,000 troops to slowly cross Europe and end the reign of terror caused by Adolf Hitler and his insane desire for power.

We owe our military a debt of gratitude.  That includes remembering them with great honor and thanks.  It has been 75 years since the invasion at Normandy, but we should never forget the cost.  In defense of their country and for the cause of freedom, these troops were not only able to fight the battle, but to win the war.

“When you go out to war against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and an army larger than your own, you shall not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt. And when you draw near to the battle, the priest shall come forward and speak to the people and shall say to them, ‘Hear, O Israel, today you are drawing near for battle against your enemies: let not your heart faint. Do not fear or panic or be in dread of them, for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.’ ”  Deuteronomy 20:1-4

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COME TO ME

Posted on June 6, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A pale glimmer of mauve glistens over the city as the sun descends into night,

Leaving a path of darkened shadows and sparkling diamonds in its wake,

Reflections cover a cobblestone street, mirroring the lamplight from inside,

Some shops remain open, while others have ended another day.

 

Luminosity radiates from the corner church, inviting those in need  to enter.

“Come to me,” is the inviting chant “I will carry your burdens for you.”

Simple words yet full of promise and hope,

“Come to me and I will give you rest.”

Peace is offered freely there.

You are under no obligation.

Don’t resist,

Open the door,

Enter,

Step inside and receive the gift of a brand new day.

Your cares may still remain, but something new has been added unto you,

The true Light of the World will change everything.

Come!

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on June 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

AUTHOR

I have set my novel on the shelf for the past three weeks.  I felt it a good idea to step away from it for a while and return to it with fresh eyes.  During that hiatus, I’ve had thoughts about my characters and how they’ll be received.  Will people think I’m writing about them personally?  Will the experiences they go through remind them of something that played out in their own lives?  Will I offend someone with the words written?

I think a writer has a responsibility to think about things like that.  We need to be sure of our facts.  We must be inclusive of the history and timeline of the story.  We must create characters that have human tendencies and passions to make them seem real.  Just as an actor must learn as much about his character before getting on stage, an author must be willing to create living, breathing human beings to be captured in the written word.

We live in a world of political correctness.  Not everyone believes the same as we do.  We all have different goals and are driven by different things, yet we worry how someone will react to what we say, do or write about.  I also believe that writing is just a reflection of life, yet it must be displayed in a way to hold the reader’s interest and leave him longing to read more. This is probably what separates the good writers from the average and excellent authors.

Tomorrow I will take another look at my work.  Who knows where it will take me this time?

 

 

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BESOTTED

Posted on June 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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“I may not here omit those two main plagues and common dotages of human kind, wine and women, which have infatuated and besotted myriads of people; they go commonly together.”

June is the month for romance and love. Most weddings take place at this time of year, because spring has broken forth and a young man’s fancy has turned to thoughts of – well you know.  Women get a little weird at this time of year as well.  There’s something about new life, fresh air and sunshine, Vitamin D, hormones and spring that makes our hearts soar.

In my search for a new word today, I came upon this one – besotted.  Since spring has already sprung, even here in the tundra, the word came at me with an instant glaring. To be besotted, one is literally intoxicated.  To equate love with drunkenness seems a bit bizarre, but when you think about it, falling in love often clouds the mind, just as adult beverages do.

Some synonyms for the word are – plastered, hammered, inebriated, wasted and impaired.  Anyone who has imbibed over their limit knows what that feels like.  You are out of control.  You often lose track of common sense.  You do things you wouldn’t otherwise do.  Your mind turns to mush.

Is this what happens when you fall in love?  We don’t like the idea of being out of control.  In fact, most of us feel we must be in control of our lives. We want to follow God’s commandments and be obedient to his will, yet we still feel the need to take an active part in our future and our every day living.  Still, as much planning and goal setting we do, there will be obstacles within those plans that side track us and lead us away from what God intended for us in the first place.

True love is much more than a romantic feeling or a word or phrase which sends our hearts reeling.  True love requires giving up, giving in and giving.  These are things we have a tendency to hang onto rather than throw out there.  We like the feeling of power.  We feel comfortable when we know what the future holds.  We like our ducks to be in a row and our goals to be met.  When love steps in, it changes the order we’ve established within our own lives.  Now we are responsible for another person. We must put them first.  We must do this without hesitation.

Well, that sounds almost as archaic as the word I’ve chosen today.  In our world today, we’re told we deserve all the gusto we can gather.  We’re entitled to things that are outside of our means.  We’re worth it.  We are numero uno.  This is a feeling that tends to dig deeply into our core.  We like the idea of being in control and worthy of the best life has to offer.

The truth is, we don’t deserve any special treatment.  We’re all sinful and fall short of God’s requirements.  When we think of love, words like sacrifice, commitment, caring, compassion, selflessness should be at the forefront.  These are words which describe how God loves us – words which we can imitate in our relationships with those we care about and love.

Today immerse yourself in love.  Not the romantic kind, but the unselfish love that God wants us to show one another.  When we put others first, we’re opening doors to a passion unknown.  We will be besotted –  filled to the brim with love unending.

 

 

 

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WHAT LAYS BEYOND

Posted on June 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

What started as a single seed reclining in the earth,

Is now a giant masterpiece with monetary worth,

The time it took to grow this tree encompassed many years,

It suffered many bruises and witnessed many tears,

Some of its limbs were withered, while others brandished life,

Its trunk was strong as iron, yet endured all kinds of strife,

As winds defiled and bent its frame, it seemed that he was lost,

Its roots exposed, its spine now bent from cold and bitter frost,

Still it survived and grew some more and pierced right through the clouds,

Its life went on and does today, evading death’s dark shrouds,

We like that tree continue through life’s discouraging path,

We place our hope in worldly things and we receive God’s wrath,

But when we put our hope in Him our life will never end,

And it will be much greater than our minds can comprehend,

The growth that we experience throughout our earthly days,

Will never reach comparison to what His love purveys,

We lift our eyes to heaven and know what waits beyond,

To see the face of Jesus and know He will respond.

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WORD FOR TODAY

Posted on June 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Nuptials is kind of an old fashioned word that isn’t used much anymore.  Like marriage itself, it sometimes appears out of date.  Today we rarely hear the word used except pertaining to a pre-nuptial agreement.  Apparently the original agreement to love, honor and serve wasn’t enough.  Now there must be a precursor to the wedding vows – which includes what will happen to the joint assets once the marriage falls apart.  Talk about planned obsolescence.

The term nuptials originated from the Latin word, nuptialis, which means wedding.  Today the word seems almost archaic, but we still hear phrases like, “still glowing in nuptial bliss,” or the nuptials will take place at the Lutheran church.

So many things regarding marriage and weddings has changed over time.  In the early years of the twentieth century, many men and women were getting married younger. They didn’t have long courtships.  Men were going off to war and wanted to solidify the relationship before they left.  Many of them didn’t return, leaving young widows behind.  Weddings were often planned by parents of the bride and groom. Today, they take a back seat until the bills come in.  Many couples try each other out first to make sure the relationship is going to work out.  There are those today who are so busy they must resort to finding a mate on line.

I guess when you think about it, times don’t really change that much.  In the old days wedding receptions were held in decorated, cleaned up barns – something that seems to be making a comeback.  Maybe there’s a need for nostalgia once more.  As to finding a mate, men would sometimes send for a mail order bride to wed without meeting her before the big day.  Often couple were betrothed (another good word) before they were old enough to walk.  Parents arranged marriages for those they felt were suitable.

There are some things that should be said about marriage in any time period:

  • Keep God at the center of your relationship.  He is the cord that binds the two of you.  He will be with you through all the ups and downs. He will lift you when you grow weary and carry you when you can no longer walk.  He is the perfect partner in every nuptial.
  • It is a serious commitment.  Sometimes there is little thought that goes into what it takes to have a solid marriage – one that will last a lifetime – one that will survive the tests of time and the joys and tragedies of living.
  • It’s hard work. Don’t kid yourself.  Every relationship requires work, especially if you’re going to spending so much time together.
  • There will be problems.  There will be times you want to throw in the towel.  There are moments of frustration and disappointment, yes, but there are also moments of joy, elation, hope, dreams, goals to meet together, sharing your love with each other and bringing new life into the world.
  • Compromise is necessary.  There will be times when you believe you are in the right, but in order to keep peace you will acquiesce to keep it.  This doesn’t mean you will be stepped on or hurt in the process.
  • Put the other person first. We often hear about Christ being the bridegroom of the church and how willing he is to sacrifice for her even to the point of death.  We, as the bride or church, must have that same unconditional love for our spouse.  It won’t always be easy, but so worth it.

Mark 10:8-9 “and the two shall become one flesh. So they are no longer two but one flesh. What therefore God has joined together, let not man separate.”

 

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WORD FOR TODAY

Posted on June 3, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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People often ask me how I come up with things to write about each day.  For the most part, there is no rhyme nor reason to it.  I write things about Christianity, aging, living in troubled times, going through difficulties and sometimes I just pick a Bible passage or thought from a sermon I recently heard and go with it.  Today I’ve chosen to write about the word, “imbroglio.”

It’s not a word I often use.  In fact I can’t remember ever using it, but it kind of rolls off the tongue.  For some reason this word popped into my head this morning, so I decided to look it up.  Some of its synonyms include – entanglement, altercation, a complicated situation. The word has a combination of origins from the Italian word, imbrogliare, which means to entangle and the Middle French word, embrouiller, which means to embroil.  It actually conjures up ideas of the tangled web of deception and lies we weave when we’re led to believe a certain way.

Now that I know the meaning and the etymology of the word I can use it in a sentence.  “The state of division in our nation has caused nothing less than a bitter imbroglio.”

I don’t usually like to rant.  I’m not an argumentative type. I actually gave up ranting for Lent, but sometimes I have strong opinions about politics and the cacophony of confusing noise that runs rampant in Washington.  I try to keep my opinions to myself, but some things simply must be said.

What I’ve seen since the last election is a party that simply won’t give up on destroying a sitting president with a litany of lies, scandal, investigations and fake news.  It seems as though they have become nothing but sore loser.  I’ve seen what this division in opinion has done to those who have been friends for years.  They’re trashing their friends for disagreeing with them.  I’ve seen families split for the same reason.  I’ve also seen things occurring within the congress that are making us look like fools in the eyes of the world.

Yesterday, as we do every Sunday, we prayed for our governing officials.  This is something we’re directed to do by God.  He is the final judge – the original law maker – the only One we can rely on to bring order out of chaos.  As I prayed, I was reminded of all our presidents from the beginning of our founding.  Each one was flawed in some way.  Each one stood up to criticism and name calling.  Each one entered the office promising to protect and defend our nation and the Constitution.

We may not have agreed with them.  We may think they are corrupt or in it for themselves.  We might love the man or hate him.  Yet the president is still the voice of the people who elected him. Our current president is certainly not above reproach, but he has done more in a very short time to do his job the way he promised to do it.  He is doing his best to fulfill those promises in spite of daily attacks on him.

As you pray today, for your own needs and the requests of others, remember to keep our elected officials in your prayers too – particularly our president and his family.  God has slowly been written out of our daily lives by the powers that be.  It’s time to bring Him back into the equation.

Dear, God, King of Creation, we entreat you to watch over our country.  Keep our leaders in the palm of your hand and guide them in the way you would have them go.  Help us to heal the wounds that divide us.  Nothing as insignificant as a difference of opinion should cut us in half.  I believe that you still live in the hearts of many who inhabit our country.  Restore our zeal for you.  May our patriotism be rekindled and may we once again put you first.  Amen!

 

 

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SUNDAY THOUGHT

Posted on June 2, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

“A man can no more diminish God’s glory by refusing to worship Him than a lunatic can put out the sun by scribbling the word ‘darkness’ on the walls of his cell.”

C.S, Lewis

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AM I LOSING IT?

Posted on May 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Have you ever felt like you’re completely losing it?  I know part of this has to do with the aging process, but I can recall days in my own childhood when I thought I was going a little crazy.  There were those days of turning from a child into a woman, when hormones were raging to heights they had never gone before.  There were the years of learning and wondering if I ever would get it.  The years as a young wife, adjusting to the idiosyncrasies of her young husband who left his laundry on the floor and rolled up the toothpaste tube, not to mention leaving the toilet seat up after using it.

Then came the children. Each one with their own set of needs, demands, goals and dreams.  Each one would call on every ounce of energy, patience, nurturing and love you could muster.  As they grew, more and more demands were made on your brain, your emotions, your desire to do what was necessary to be a good parent. Even then, you create wonderful memories amidst the worry.

As time wears on we tuck those experiences away in our memory bank for future reference.  The things we learn through experience, through suffering and hard times, through successes and failures can all be part of growing up and growing closer to heaven.

When the children leave the nest, you  reignite your relationship with your spouse.  You make new memories by traveling or taking up a hobby.  All those old memories cease to be for the moment.  Your brain has reached capacity and in some cases it’s ready to crash.  Still you press on to fill it further with more and more information, more joy, more satisfaction.

Retirement years in this day and age are usually met with financial needs, physical concerns, eating right and getting enough exercise.  You realize you need to continue working or you might starve, but you know God will provide.  He always does.

When Alzheimers or Dementia occurs, you are no longer the same person.  Most of your latest memories have faded from your brain.  Eventually you don’t recognize those you love the most.  That is the point where you dig deeply to find just one memory and you can only recall the earliest ones.  I believe this is like a life preserver for those who suffer with these maladies.  God always provides hope for those who feel all is lost.  In those old memories, you still have something to live for.  You can recall some of the highlights of your life.  It’s like a soft pillow that cushions some of the pain of losing it.

No matter where God leads us in life – no matter how difficult times may seem – no matter how we wonder if it will serve any purpose – God has designed every life to fill an important part in the design of His magnificent plans for us.  We may at times feel like we’re losing it, but in the end we will always win!

“Even to your old age I am he and to gray hairs I will carry you.
I have made, and I will bear; I will carry and will save.”

Isaiah 46:4

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on May 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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WALLY’S FRYDADDY FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on May 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Or a small, country, Lutheran church.

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BACK IN THE GROOVE

Posted on May 30, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

You have all probably seen Paul’s paintings on my blog.  Occasionally I’ve posted some of his carving work.  After he was diagnosed with cancer (now in remission) and endured a small stroke, he put the chisel and hammer aside for a while.  Yesterday, he began to work on a huge chunk of wood which we couldn’t let go of when we downsized a few years ago.

We moved a lot of wood along with us .  There was so much, I wondered if he would ever be able to carve through all of it.  It was such a blessing to see him in our backyard, doing this again.  If he does manage to create art with all the wood he’s accumulated, he should live to be about 950 years.  I guess he’d be in good company, since Noah died at that age and  was quite a wood worker himself.

So Paul got back in the groove yesterday and so did I.  After planting some more flowers and giving the house and myself a good clean up, I did the same.  Last night began rehearsals for the sequel to the play I performed in last October.  I am the same character – a fussy old lady who manages all the social events at the church.  This time she’s the wedding coordinator.

Both of us got our share of exercise and brain stimulation – more than we’ve had in quite a while.  Its good to get back into the groove.  Each of us has our own ways of doing that.  I hope the Lord will continue to bless us with good health so we can push forward.  All things we do while we inhabit the earth should be to His glory.  He also wants us to make the most of the time we have.  Paul is now 77 and I will join him next month.  We don’t know when we’ll take our final breath, but we are confident that with God, all things are possible – even in doing the things we most enjoy in these final years.

Today Paul is a little sore from using muscles that hadn’t been.  I was glad to get through almost three hours of rehearsal without collapsing – which I actually must do in this play.  Still he just left for the plein air class he teaches and I’m sitting here writing my blog. We press on for the prize.

“ I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.”  Phillippians 3:14

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HAVE YOU EVER HEARD OF THIS?

Posted on May 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

put-a-pillow-on-your-fridge-day-1Starting somewhere in Europe and migrating to the U.S. in the early 1900s, this ridiculous tradition is supposed to bring good luck to your house.  I’ve often placed pictures on my fridge along with lots of magnets containing contact info I may need.  I usually place things that don’t fit in the cupboard or pantry on top of the fridge, but never a pillow.  Do you suppose that’s why I haven’t had an abundance of good luck lately?

Isn’t it funny how these crazy days surface?  You can find a strange holiday for every day of the year.  I don’t put much stock in this one.  I prefer to place my pillow under my head when I sleep.  Can you imagine the looks you’d get if you had one on your fridge.  First of all, would anyone notice?  I know I would, but I wouldn’t dare say anything.  Maybe, “nice pillow, up there on your fridge!”  Maybe trying to ignore it, but my eyes would always return to the top of that kitchen appliance.  I suppose, because it’s a warm place, a cat might enjoy snuggling up on it.  They usually like to snooze in unusual places.

It certainly would be a conversation starter.  I can hear it now.  “We used to put a pillow on our fridge too, until we discovered that the warmth from it caused the ice cream to melt.” or “I’ll bet that’s a convenient place for someone to sleep when you have too many house guests and not enough beds.”

Who would think to make it a good luck charm?  Must have been a leprechaun or a witch, or a pillow salesman.   I never put much stock in four leaf clovers, horseshoes, rabbits’ feet or other superstitions.  I still avoid walking under a ladder however.  You never know when something might fall on you.  With my luck, it usually does.

So as we observe another crazy holiday remember this – when all the world is crumbling around you – when your luck seems to have run out – when you’re willing to do anything for a run of good luck – put a pillow on top of your fridge.  Or pray!

 

 

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on May 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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It has been almost three weeks since I finished my novel.  I set it aside before beginning one of my final edits. You may call it procrastination.  You might think of it as fear of failure.  It could be considered a breaking down of the barriers that bind.  For me it was a time of rest.  I really needed to step away from this work for a while.  My mind had actually turned to mush and was getting confused and obsessing over detail and timelines.

Perhaps when I return to it next week, I will have thought about it more and decide to make some changes which could lead me down a completely different path.  When I wrote the last sentence, I felt good for a number of reasons.  First I had actually finished the story.  Next I had completed it in the necessary number of words.  I felt good about the places my characters decided to take me.  I struggled with them at times, but most of the time they won.  I came to a point where I felt that I rushed my ending and I believe I will still have to work on that.

In also discovered some things about myself.  I am a dedicated writer – maybe not a great one, but I know how to discipline myself to write every day.  Each morning I rise with the sun and prepare my daily blog.  Usually this includes writing a piece of poetry to go along with my husband’s art work.  I then write either a spiritual or humorous piece, depending on how I’m feeling at the moment.  I usually spend about two hours writing every day.  Consistency gets you into the habit of doing something at a certain time and in a specific place.

I, like my husband, was brought up in a different time and place, where work ethic was essential.  Discipline is necessary. Consistency and order are part of our every day existence.  Paul has been an inspiration and a good example, because he paints every day.  Some might say we’re chasing the wind.  There is no material gain in what we do, but it’s something we both need to do.  An artist – a musician – a writer – a dancer – an actor all have this inborn desire to practice their art.

It could well be that I will die in front of my computer screen and he will cease to be while painting his final masterpiece, but we will go to heaven knowing that we used the gifts that God gave us, not only to satisfy our own needs, but to inspire and touch the lives of others with our work.

A few more days and I’ll turn the first page – again.  In the meantime, I’m still trying to decide the most efficient way to get my book in print.

 

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FEELING CRISPY

Posted on May 28, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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There are some days when I feel full of energy and ready to leap tall buildings with a single bound and then I realize that I’m almost 77 and my cape has long since worn out.  It’s then that my thoughts of conquering the world get set back on the shelf and I start to act my age.

When we reach this point in life, many of our friends have already gone to heaven.  All our worldly goods are now considered antiques.  We crash at 8:30 PM and rise at 5:30 AM.  We put our teeth in a cup, our eyes and ears on the nightstand, roll out of bed with vigor, but are soon reminded that our muscles aren’t what they used to be and spend half an hour trying to stand upright  Your body has lost the battle with gravity.  Everything hangs about five inches lower than it used to.

Some folks refuse to grow old gracefully.  Some are determined not to grow old. Some even try to upgrade their appearance with plastic surgery, body sculpting, makeup or a myriad of options to make themselves look younger.  Other folks decide to go with the flow and let nature take its course.  Many give up and actually grow older faster.

I think growing old requires a good sense of humor.  For example, I ‘ve been struggling with hearing loss for a number of years.  Hearing aids are not an option because of the cost.  So I strain to hear the right words, but often fail.  A couple nights ago, our neighbor was cutting his lawn.  He’s a limo driver and has to do things like this at odd hours.  My husband said, “Joe is mowing his lawn in the dark,” and I thought he said, “Joe is glowing in the dark.”  I had to get a good look at that so ran to the window.

Last night, I was watching TV downstairs and Paul was upstairs.  He asked me what I was watching and I said, “Antiques Roadshow.”  He thought I said “Antique Road Kill.”  He’s also losing his hearing, but won’t admit it yet.

We do a lot of hollering at each other, but we find a great deal of humor in some of the things we say or hear.  We could instead become frustrated or grumpy about it, but it really is funny when you think about it.  Being crispy isn’t so bad.  When we reach heaven, we have the opportunity of being well done.

Dear, Lord – You have sustained my life for a long time now. You’ve given me strength when I need it; patience when things seem overwhelming; hope when it looks like nothing will ever be right; faith when I lack it; and perseverance when I think I can’t go on. Help me, in my old age, to put my focus on all you have done for me and give me the stamina to press on to heaven where perfection waits for me.  Amen!

 

 

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WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER

Posted on May 25, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

One day a year, we honor those who have served their country with dignity and honor – those who have put their lives on the line for the benefit and safety of others.  A selfless act which has somehow been sullied over time.

Just what does it take to consider yourself a veteran?  My husband served in the Air National Guard at the time of the Bay of Pigs Invasion.  He entered this branch of service, served six months of active duty and summer camp for six year following.  He does not consider himself a veteran, because he did not go the regular route and serve all his time at once.  I appreciate his humility, but in my eyes he is still a hero.

During that time of active duty, his unit was called along with others to get to their bases immediately and be prepared to take off in the darkness of night, to fight the communists in Cuba.  They were told to run stop lights getting there.  The urgency in the order sent chills up his spine, but he knew he was prepared.  They waited – and waited – and waited.  At last they were sent home when an agreement was made between the countries involved.

My husband never faced the enemy in war.  He never had to watch as his friends as they were shot and killed or lost limbs and the will to go on.  He never suffered PTSD.  The stories of his time in the Air Force are not filled with anxiety, hatred, anger or fear like so many of our returning soldiers who faced combat, but still he was willing to serve his country if need be.

We have friends and family who have returned from Korea, Viet Nam, the Middle East – scarred by their experiences.  There is no way to explain the pangs of hell a soldier must face each time they enter the combat arena.  They are exposed to all kinds of emotions and danger that we can’t begin to comprehend.  When they return home, they suffer from nightmares, flash backs and memories of horrible acts against humanity.  These are the veterans we most talk about. 

Then there are those who are MIA or POW who are never heard of again.  We remember their service, but they soon become a faded memory.

What about those who return home to protesting mobs, angry pacifists, and an onslaught of ingratitude?  Where is their honor?  They filled their duty as good soldiers.  They were as much heroes as those who gave their lives.  They returned to a sea of hatred which far surpassed the enemies they had to face overseas.

Do we give our veterans the honor they deserve?  If you follow the path of those requiring health care because of a war injury or PTSD or the results of chemical warfare and living in the heat of battle each day, you often find them waiting for long periods of time for treatment, or not getting the best.

We live only a few block from a campus which once served an asylum for the mentally disturbed.  It sits on the banks of the Rum River, surrounded by trees and the sound of nature all around.  The buildings have been vacant for many years, but are now in the process of being restored to be used for homeless veterans, who need a starting off point to get acclimated back into society.  I’m so glad this is being done for them, but saddened that it comes to that.

Our returning soldiers should be honored for their service, but they shouldn’t be the last to be hired.  Their unselfish service seems to have no bearing on getting jobs, shelter or mental and physical treatment.

Jesus was the perfect example of how we should live, but He is best known for his suffering, death and resurrection.  He did battle against the evils of this world and won. His victory over sin and death is our great heritage.  He took our place on the battlefield against the devil.When we make a sacrifice to help another person, we are in a small way imitating Him.  Today and every day, let’s be grateful to those who are willing to give their lives for others.

 

 

 

Posted in Uncategorized | 12 Comments

WALLY’S FRIDAY FRYDADDY FUNNY

Posted on May 24, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments