MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on April 9, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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According to a study, the amount of words we speak each day is about 16,000, depending on age, social structure, etc.  I wonder how they determine these statistics.  Do people actually monitor the number of words they say like they tally up the steps they take?  Is there an app for that?

I would imagine that the words I speak are far less.  If I count the things I say to myself, maybe it would make sense.  The art of communication has put us all in a different category today.  We no longer rely on face to face encounters – we text or email.  A person could probably whittle their vocal verbiage down to five if necessary – those five being, “Where is the rest room?”

Thinking as a writer, I have set a goal to put so many words on paper each day.  A novel should consist of at least 60,000 words.  If I can speak 16,000 words a day, I should be able to write at least 10,000.  The problem arises when you have to think before you write.  Your words need to have purpose.  They need to draw your reader in.  They must inspire, hold attention and excite the imagination.  A tall order for so many words.

When we say those words, do we really stop to analyze them before we speak?  We’d probably cut the word count in half if we did.  Add to that the fact that you don’t go out much, you’re realm of conversation includes little toddlers, you’re an aging female with no social life or you’re a hermit can cut that number in half again.

So now as I proceed to write 20,000 more words to complete my story, I’m thinking of flowery phrases, lots of adjectives, many, many useless words and how the heck I’m ever going to get this thing done.

The idea of writing a book is overwhelming and I’m only in the beginning stages.  Once complete, I will have to go back and edit, check for contradictions or mixed up relationships.  I will have to go through it four or five times – make changes – refine – jazz it up and do it again four or five times more.

Once that’s done, I’ll need to find someone willing to publish my work.  This is where my fear of rejection steps in.  Self-publishing is not an option for someone without capital.  As you see in the cartoon above, Peppermint Patty has it right.  Most people write so they can make money – not to spend more.

As with all the arts, when you figure every minute invested in the process, even if your book is a best seller, you probably will net out at 10 cents an hour.  Why am I doing this?  Because I love it and I’m stacking up numbers for my word app.

 

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THE SYROPHOENICIAN WOMAN

Posted on April 8, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ MATTHEW 7:25-30 & MARK 15:21-28

Jesus had already proven His power over the devil.  He used scripture to resist temptation in the desert.  He exorcised many demons during His ministry.  The word was out and everyone knew about it.  There was division among the Jews.  Some truly believed that Jesus was the promised Messiah.  Some thought He was just another false prophet, while others thought He was stirring up a rebellion.

Jesus and His disciples traveled to the region of Tyre and Sidon.  Prophesies were written about the area in the Old Testament.  This was home to the Gentiles.  Why would Jesus go to a place where He knew He wouldn’t be well received?  Jesus always has a purpose for everything He does.  His divine wisdom drew Him to the spot, precisely because it was a heathen nation.

Can you imagine having a child possessed by a demon?  When our children are overtaken by any kind of evil, our hearts break for them.  When they get mixed up with the wrong crowd, test their limits, or worst of all curse God, we are helpless as parents. The only thing that helps is intervention from the One who defeated Satan.

Many might say that Jesus was being inconsiderate by turning the woman away.   She wasn’t one of His chosen.  Still, isn’t that precisely what Jesus is trying to show us with this miracle?  His gift of redemption was not just for the Jews.  It was for all people.

We as Christians should think about this seriously.  Turning someone away from God’s truth for any reason is like slapping Jesus in the face.  When we prejudge or are unaccepting , we aren’t giving the most amazing gift designed for all people.

This woman heard of Jesus’ healing miracles.   She came to Him with a broken heart, begging for her daughter’s life.  His disciples tried to shoo her off and even Jesus chastised her.  He said, “I was sent only to the lost sheep of the house of Israel,” she should have given up, but she didn’t.  She persisted, because she knew Jesus could help her child.

Jesus continued with this response, ““It is not right to take the children’s bread and throw it to the dogs.”  That doesn’t sound like my Jesus.  Many think He was insulting this woman, but He was testing her faith.  Her answer was indicative of the extent of her believing.  She said, “Yes, Lord, yet even the dogs eat the crumbs that fall from their masters’ table.”  During this interchange it became apparent that the woman indeed believed in Jesus’ power to save her child.  Her child was immediately healed because of her faith.

The wonderful message of the entire Passion history makes this claim.  Jesus came for the lost sheep of the world, which includes everyone of us.  He makes no distinction.  We shouldn’t either.  We’re all alike in His sight.  That means we all have the merciful gift of salvation.  It’s our obligation to share this wonderful news.

 

 

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on April 6, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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It started when I was just a child.  I’d concoct stories which would be turned into plays.  When in eighth grade, I wrote a full length play, which would’ve required a cast of thousands, a set worthy of Cecil B. DeMille, and costumes by Edith Head.  There would be music of course, composed by Leonard Bernstein.  When I turned the assignment in, I did so with high hopes of getting an “A.”

My teacher said it was good, but would be impossible to produce.  I didn’t hear the part about it being good.  I don’t remember if I even got a grade for all my hard work.  The only thing I recall is the word “impossible.”  My first rejection occurred when I was twelve years old.  From then on, I felt that being an author was just a means of chasing the wind.

My fear of rejection actually put my writing on hold for a while. An eighth grade teacher doused my hopes of ever succeeding.  After a year or so, I couldn’t contain myself.  I determined this was going to be my life’s adventure.  I would knit words together, create art through them and become a famous author someday.

So here I am, almost 77 years old and I’m still writing, but unable to submit for fear of rejection. Words come easy to me.  I rarely have trouble filling a page.  My novel is now up to 40,000 words.  I’m finding the editing process to be the most difficult.  Something new always pops into my brain and I have to change the whole course of events.  I’ve tried to kill off two of my main characters, but they won’t die.  How is it that these inanimate creatures have lives and minds of their own?  Things that are appearing on the page are so unlike me.  It’s frightening at times and humorous as well.

Writing a blog every day has helped me achieve some level of confidence.  It’s helpful to hear good comments as well as useful critique.  Creating a novel is challenging, because you want it to flow from one action to another smoothly.  You desire your characters to come alive and be more than one dimensional.

You pray that the story will come together in the end.  Then what?  If you’re brave, you send it to a publisher. If you’re not so brave, you self-publish.  Then you wait and wait and wait some more.  I self published my memoir, “Stages – A Memoir,” several years ago. This was my first published work ever. So much time has passed since then, it’s time for a sequel.

The time it takes to put thoughts into the right words is sometimes overwhelming.  I appeal to all my fellow writers for advice.  I’d like to get this done before I die, so any experiences you have would be helpful for me.  I’m just a novice at this.  It’s one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but I feel my story is strong and worth reading.  Any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.

 

 

 

 

I often feel I’m getting too dark or weird.  I wonder how others make it through this process unscathed.  The really good authors seem to pop one out after another with great ease.

 

 

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WALLY’S FRIDAY FRYDADDY FUNNY

Posted on April 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on April 5, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on April 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Discipline and dedication come to mind this morning.  All the words – all the struggle to put them in the correct order – to lavish them with inspiring adjectives – to pour out my soul only to have it leashed again.  The writer is subject to a war as he enters the realm of creating.  A work in progress becomes a daily grind.  A battle against time – of which I have little.  A recipient of blank pages waiting to be filled.  A blank mind like the emptiness of life itself.

Thinking ahead – death may come soon – so many things to say, so little time.   The journey is filled with detours and roadblocks.  Each twist and turn delivers new thoughts and a change of plans.  We struggle to find an ending, yet we haven’t even made it half way through.

Life – the daily struggles – the aches and pains of aging – the perils of moving from one room to another and trying to remember why you went in the first place.  Who cares?  Why does any of my life have any bearing on another’s?  Maybe in my telling,  someone may discover they aren’t alone in their journey.  The experiences we face every day can create a story – a poem – an idea.  Our dreams are like that too.  When we’re in search of the creative process, everything we deal with in life has purpose in fulfilling our goal.

Looking back – remembering – past mistakes and what we learn from them – secret sins known only to you and God – successes and goals accomplished.  Each of these possess a tale to be told.

Our lives are like a giant manuscript, just waiting to be poured onto a blank page.  If only spell check didn’t interfere.

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THE LEAST OF THESE . . .

Posted on April 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Each seed brings forth new life,

Designed and created by God Himself,

Woven together in His infinite wisdom,

Clothing this delicate life with armor to endure the elements,

As each season changes under heaven.

So the tiny, seed burrows deep within the earth,

Hiding itself from the winter cold,

In spring, new life appears from dormant soil,

Trees fill with fresh, green buds,

Once withered branches come alive,

Bringing forth a shade producing umbrella,

To protect from the heat of the summer sun,

In autumn the seeds fall again,

Making their way to the ground,

Completing the bountiful circle of life,

If He cares for the least of these,

Imagine His love for us.

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WHAT WOULD WE DO?

Posted on April 4, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ MATTHEW 26

The Jews held a strong presence in Jerusalem at the time Jesus walked the earth.  He in fact was one of them.  However, the kind of Messiah the Jews were hoping for, had nothing to do with this man.  They were intent on the promise of a worldly king, like David or Solomon, who would establish a kingdom on earth designed exclusively for them.

All the leaders of the Jews were well versed in the scriptures.  They read and studied the prophesies of old and were looking forward to a king who would rule over them here on earth.  The thought that it might be someone like Jesus was appalling to them.  Yet there He was – the supposed King of the Jews – trudging around the countryside, stirring things up, messing with their teachings and causing even some of the staunchest of them to waiver.  He was a common man, dressed in homespun cloth, sandals and no place to call home.

Caiphas was the acting high priest of Judaea.  His father in law held the title from the time of Quirinius, when the Romans took over rule of the Jews. Though they were under Roman rule, something was causing people to change their allegiance from the ancient teachings.  That something was Jesus – a simple, humble man who could heal the blind, deaf, sick and demon possessed.  A man who made His bed under the stars, preaching a message of love, faith and hope.

The Jewish leadership of this time was raking in a lot of support from the wealthy.  Even the poor were willing to give their last penny to the church.  They profited from the selling of animals to be used for sacrifices, by giving the vendors a perfect venue for their wares.  In a way, they were like the Roman church during the time of the Reformation – making money off their power and control.

When Jesus rose Lazarus from the dead, He became a true threat to everything they were teaching and believed.   Something had to be done to stop this rabble rouser.  So from that point on, a plot was hatched to put Jesus to death.  Judas was a willing recipient what they were willing to pay.  The entire plan was orchestrated by God, but the Jewish aristocracy truly thought they were doing the right thing.  They also had some ulterior motives.  All the players in this scenario were part of God’s plan for our salvation.

How would we receive Jesus if He returned today?  We know His next coming will be heralded by angels.  There will be fire and loud trumpets involved – as is written in the Revelations.  We know what to expect, but what if He chooses to come as an ordinary guy, just like He did the first time?  There have been false Messiah’s – some before and many after Jesus.  They all claimed to be the promised Savior.  Still there is only One Jesus.  There is only One God.  There is only One Savior and He already came to accomplish what He was sent to do.  He took away the sins of the word, so that we will inherit a place in heaven.

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IN SEARCH OF MY MUSE

Posted on April 3, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Writing a novel is certainly a lot different than writing a play, a poem or a short story.  First of all you need at least 60,000,000 words.  So far I have 38,001.  I think the last word was “help!”

I’m sure every author struggles with this massive number of words and how to choose them without becoming redundant or repeating yourself.  Oh, did I just say that?  Anyhow, I am a self taught artist.  I’ve tried most of the arts at one point or another in my life.  I’ve never excelled at any of them, but I truly can say I’ve tried.

I’ve actually written a couple of children’s books, a screenplay and countless plays, but I’ve never tried this genre.  I used to write everything down in a notebook.  Now I rely on my computer, because I can no longer read my own writing.  Often my computer comes up with its own words and actually takes on a mind of its own.

Relying on your computer is not always best either, unless you back up your work – send unfinished copies to your friends to save – make about 45 flash drives just in case your computer crashes and you lose it all.  I know this from personal experience.

As I’ve gotten deeper into this process, I’m finding that my characters are also making their own choices.  I’ve determined that an outline is pointless for this reason, because as soon as I start to follow a plan, the various personalities take a whole new turn.  Maybe this is one of the exciting parts to writing. You’re never certain where your story will take you.

I wonder if my story will ever be resolved – how it will end – if it will end.  Worr

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TENDER SHEPHERD

Posted on April 3, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ MATTHEW 18:1-6

Jesus was the oldest child in His family, so He often had to look after His younger siblings.  I imagine He looked much like a little shepherd, tending His sheep.  He played with them, told them stories, sang songs with them, rocked them to sleep and made sure they stayed clear of danger.  Now He was leading a whole flock of troubled sheep with His words of hope.

As the crowds grew with each passing day, Jesus had to retreat to the mountainside or the middle of a lake to preach to them.  His voice was powerful enough to reach every ear, but He was becoming physically weary from the days of traveling and speaking.  As he sat for one quiet moment, a crowd of young children came running to Him.  His disciples, being concerned for their master, tried to shoo them off, but Jesus wouldn’t have it.

He treasured each of those children and babies as if they were His own.  He scolded His disciples for sending them away, saying, “Let the little children come to Me and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, if anyone does not receive the kingdom of God like a little child, he will never enter it.

It surprised them to hear these words.  How could anyone go to heaven without knowledge of the scriptures?  How could one of these little ones enter heaven?  Don’t you need a theological degree to make it?  Don’t you have to lead a perfect life?  How can that happen when you’re so young?

Jesus was talking about the faith of those children.  This is something we often lose as we grow older.  Sometimes the more we know, the less we know.  We study scripture only to interpret it to fit our needs.  We are deceived and tested by the devil through the very Word which saves us.  We think we know more than God – that we can outwit Him or achieve our salvation with our good deeds alone.  A child has a pure, accepting faith in the things we teach them.  There is no questioning whatsoever.  Well, maybe when they turn two.

When you think about it, the Word of God was inspired by the Holy Spirit and is directed to the whole world – including the little ones we/re entrusted with.  The Spirit will work in their little hearts and become a strong foundation for their lives.

When we begin to think we know it all, let’s look at the example Jesus shows in His love for the faith of children.  Our faith should be just like that –

Trusting without question –

Believing in the One who has purchased our salvation, because God does not lie –

Not motivated by a need to feel on the same level or superior to man or God –

Having complete dependence on our Triune God who has our life already planned.

Our faith will be nurtured and will grow through His Word.

Next time you hear a child crying in church or making loud noises, remember the lesson Jesus gave us about little ones.  They are precious to Him.  They need Him.  They love Him with complete faith.  Let’s make it a goal to be more like them.

 

 

 

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WHAT’S IN A NAME?

Posted on April 2, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ JOHN 11:5-16

How many times have we Christians had our doubts?  Be honest about this question, because humanly, it is impossible to believe what God has laid out as the plan for our salvation.

Poor Thomas, the Apostle of Jesus.  Imagine being labeled as the “Doubter?”  This disciple had to be shown the marks of the spear and the nails which pierced Jesus’ at His crucifixion.  He had to physically place his hands in them and  touch the scars.  I have wondered why Jesus wasn’t completely healed of His wounds when He rose triumphant over death, but they had a purpose, didn’t they?  They remained so we Thomas could have proof and we could learn.

Thomas was a fervent follower of Jesus during His ministry.  Yet he is one who voiced his questions to Jesus.  They must’ve had a very solid relationship for Thomas to open up that way.  He wasn’t afraid to communicate with Jesus.

After visiting Mary, Martha and Lazarus in Bethany, He returned to Jerusalem for the Festival of Dedication.  After preaching there, he was called a blasphemer by the Jews.  They threatened to stone Him, but he fled before they had a chance to.  When Jesus heard that Lazarus was sick, His disciples discouraged Him from going into harms way again.  They feared He would be stoned this time for sure.

It was then when Thomas spoke up and said they should all go.  This would put the disciples in danger as well, but Thomas was already prepared to die a martyr’s death for His Savior.

We all have doubts at times.  Particularly when our lives are in turmoil.  When things run smoothly, we easily say we would do anything for our Savior, but when push comes to shove, how many of us are willing to die for our faith?  I truthfully would have second thoughts.

Thomas went on to be a great missionary for Christ after the Great Commission was given.  His mission stretched out beyond the Roman Empire and may have gotten as far away as India.  Eventually Thomas died a martyr’s death.  Not only was he willing to die for Christ, but he did.

As we retrace the footsteps of the Lenten season – through the desert, through the streets of Jerusalem, on the road to Calvary – let’s try to meditate on how we would have received Jesus at that time.  I believe even His closest followers had questions during that time.  They didn’t even understand fully when Jesus instituted His Holy Supper for them.  We have the benefit of knowing what happened through the New Testament account.  These men had Moses and the prophets.  We all like to have proof before we put our faith in something.

These extraordinary apostles of Christ, were very ordinary men – just like you and me – but God selected them to do extraordinary things. We have our times of doubt too, but God has given us proof in His Word.  Whenever questions are raised by the devil, causing us to doubt, our comfort and our proof s found in the Bible.

 

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A CHOSEN NATION

Posted on April 1, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ MATTHEW 5 – THE SERMON ON THE MOUNT

The children of Israel had been bound by the law and the rituals established over the centuries.  They were constant reminders of the Covenant God had established with them.  The Israelite were used to this way of serving God. but there was no way to keep the law perfectly – no sacrifice or good deed would be enough to satisfy the requirements of God.  The only hope  was the promise of a Messiah, sent by God, to free them from the chains of sin.

Jesus grew up with these traditions.  He made the pilgrimage to Jerusalem each year.  He worshipped and studied intensively at the temple.  His wisdom seemed to be growing daily and now that He was the Rabbi,  His words were resonating with the people. The scriptures were coming alive through Hm.  It was as if he had written them himself.

He talked about a kingdom not of this world.  He spoke as if He’d already been there.  His words about the fulfillment of the law was fascinating to them.  When He talked of complete payment for sin – life after death – sharing in God’s inheritance – the audience listened with rapt attention.  Many thought he was the Messiah, the King they longed for, the second David, come to rule and make them the powerful nation they once were.

The crowds grew so large, He had to go to the top of a mountain to speak. They waited eagerly and hung on every word. Most of these people were used to the old laws, but Jesus had different things too tell them. He said to them, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” His purpose was finally becoming known  to the thousands who hungered for his message.  Jesus had come to pay the ransom.

He related to those starving minds and us, that this world is only temporary.  He taught us how to pray – not as those who made hypocrites of themselves, but in the quiet moments of our lives, in silent supplication and humility before God.  He told us not to worry about things – not to store up treasures on earth – to look forward to our time in eternity – to ask God for what we need and then be confident  He would answer.  He told us how to love each other – even those who persecuted or hated us.

Through this Sermon on the Mount, He summarized how we should live – how we should treat each other – how to serve God – how to pray – everything we need to know about God’s promise fulfilled.  His message was healing balm for a wounded world – a message  we all need more than ever today.

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SONS OF THUNDER

Posted on March 31, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 9:51-55 & MARK 3:17

John and his brother, James were disciples of John, the Baptist.  They were fishermen, like many of the other apostles and the sons of Zebedee and Salome.  They made their living fishing on the sea of Galilee as did their father, who was probably a man of means.

These two were among the first disciples Jesus called to follow Him.  Jesus referred to James and John as the Sons of Thunder or Boanerges.  This did not mean they were wild or outspoken.  Both brothers were usually calm and peaceful, but they sometimes allowed their voices to become like an untamed storm. This personality trait was indicated when the brothers wanted to call down heavenly fire on a Samaritan town, but Jesus rebuked them for it.

John was the only disciple to die a natural death.  Judas, Iscariot died by taking his own life and the rest died as martyrs.  John was the disciple to witness Jesus’ crucifixion as he escorted Mary to be at her Son’s side as He suffered and died.  He was the one that Jesus asked to take care of His mother after His death.  He was often called the one Jesus loved.  I think their friendship was much like that of King David and Saul’s son, Jonathan.  He was also a cousin of Jesus.

These two faithfully followed Jesus throughout His ministry.  They continued to spread the good news of the Gospel when Jesus gave the Great Commission and the fire of the Holy Spirit rested on His head at Pentecost.  James was the first of them to die after Judas.  John was the last and may have been witness to some of his fellow apostles’ deaths.  John was the only disciple who died a natural death.  All the rest died as martyrs.  When exiled to Patmos, he became witness to the end times in a vision provided him, by God Himself.  He wrote it all down in the book of Revelation by inspiration from God, so that we could see what heaven will be like and how to be ready for it at any moment.

As I grow older, thoughts of heaven are more and more on my mind.  We have lost many friends recently and our own aging bodies are showing signs of slowing down.  We don’t know the hour or the day, but we do know, because of that precious, inspired Word of God, that we will receive all the benefits of the inheritance Jesus provided for us.

This is good news for all mankind and it’s our obligation to share it with others.  Why are we sometimes afraid to invite people to share in it?  Go tell someone today, how Jesus love has healing and blessing waiting for them too.  The world is hungry for some good news and we have it!

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants, the things that must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who bore witness to the word of God and to the testimony of Jesus Christ, even to all that he saw. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.”

Revelation 1:1-

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GUARDIANS

Posted on March 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Two ancient  trees stand as sentinels,

In winter their skeletal branches reach to heaven.

Entreating the God of creation,

To cover their nakedness,

With a blanket of protection from the elements.

When spring and summer slice through,

The bone chilling temperatures,

These majestic soldiers emit new life.

Squirrels scurry through their branches,

Always busy or in search of some waiting feast,

While birds prepare for the arrival of their young,

By constructing a protective home and soft bed for them.

Small green buds emerge,

They grow into a succulent, lush, emerald canopy,

Surrounding and nourishing the space below,

A sanctuary from the hustle and bustle of the urban world.

In autumn the greens fade into golden yellow, orange and rust,

The leaves hang tight until the first heavy snowfall of winter,

Preparing for the cycle to return once more.

Our life cycle is much like theirs.

We’re conceived from a tiny seed.

We force our way into this world with great labor,

We endure the seasons of life.

We bear the extremes of our emotions,

We give in to fear and temptation, Often just barely hanging on.

At times our world seems to overtake us and sap us of our strength.

With each new stage in life,

We absorb everything we can from it.

Trying to separate the truth from lies,

When our final hour comes, we succumb to death.

Through all the perils of living, we know that God has remained faithful.

Something even better awaits beyond this mortal coil.

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A HUMAN VESSEL

Posted on March 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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She was just a simple girl – nothing special – not without sin – like us, yet God chose her to be the vessel which would carry the Son of God for nine months in her womb and hold His dead body thirty three years later.  Born in unusual circumstances, but necessary, so that He could become one of us.

Mary undoubtedly noticed every detail about her baby boy after his birth.  She probably counted His fingers and toes, as most moms do.  She would check Him often to make sure He was breathing.  This tiny child seemed so helpless, yet was all powerful.  He cried when He was hungry, had to have His diapers changed, needed the presence of His mother to soothe his hurts and cuddle Him close to her breast.

As her boy grew, she watched Him at play – warned Him of danger – made sure He ate right – disciplined(?)  I doubt she would’ve had to scold Him, but certainly she would guide and teach Him in His early years.  Can you imagine being the mother of the perfect child or having a half brother who never sinned?

Mary accepted God’s plan for her life completely by faith.  None of this made sense to her from a human standpoint.  She knew that God was placing this honor on her, yet she accepted it in complete humility.  She remembered the words of the prophets that Messiah would be born of the lineage of David.  Both she and her espoused husband were from that royal line.

I think of how concerned she must’ve been when realizing that her twelve year old Son had stayed behind in Jerusalem when they journeyed there for Passover.  What was going through her mind?  When she realized that He was teaching in the temple, she must’ve been reminded of His true purpose in life.

Then there was the wedding feast, when she knew that Jesus would do a miracle, but He resisted, since He had not yet begun His work.  Yet He did the miracle and changed water into wine – exceptional wine.

During His ministry, she followed along with His band of brothers and some other women.  His words held so much authority.  She knew that He was from God – that He was God incarnate.  She listened, she prayed with Him, watched as He healed troubled minds and bodies, brought life to the dead.  She hung on every word and deed.

As His brutalized body walked through the city, carrying his means of execution, her heart was breaking.  There was nothing she could do to help Him.  She was always able to fix things when He was a child, but now . . . .

She watched Him writhe in pain as the nails were pounded into hands and feet.  She could feel the pain of the thorn encrusted crown that was pressed into His precious head.  She endured the mockery of the crowd along with her dying boy.  John held her tightly as Jesus asked Him to care for His mother.  And then He died.

Was this the end?  How could she make any sense of it?  Her child was destined to rescue her people and now He was dead.  Tears could no longer fall.  She had cried every one of them away,  Her own body was weak, but she held the smitten Savior in her arms as she did when He was just a babe.  His limp body rested upon her lap for just a brief moment, until it was carried away to be buried in the tomb of a rich man.

Imagine her joy on that Sunday morning of the resurrection.  Seeing Him again in a restored body – with no lash scars or dried blood from the crude crown.  He was alive and because of this, she knew she would live also in eternity, as each and every one of us will.  His work was accomplished.  He came to save the lost and He rescued the world from sin.

 

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WALLY’S FRIDAY FRYDADDY FUNNY

Posted on March 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on March 29, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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MAKE ‘EM LAUGH

Posted on March 28, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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“If by chance some day you’re not feeling well and you should remember some silly thing I’ve said or done and it brings back a smile to your face or a chuckle to your heart, then my purpose as your clown has been fulfilled.” Red Skelton

When I was a kid, I often turned to humor for relief.  It was kind of a protective barrier which helped me survive some of the pain of growing up.  We all have skeletons in the closet – past sins that continue to haunt us – things we can’t seem to forgive ourselves for, even though God has already taken care of that.

Often we put on a mask to escape.  We become someone else for a while to keep things on an even keel.  Maybe that’s why I enjoy acting so much.  I can take on a different personality and hide within that persona.

Eventually we have to come out in the open.

Many comedians have this malady.  They become a funny person for the attention – to make someone laugh – to cover some deep seeded pain.  Robin Williams comes to mind.  There are so many who have left this world or become involved in some sort of scandal for those very reasons.

If you had a chance to write your own epitaph what would you like engraved into your tombstone?  I, like Red Skelton, would love to be remembered for making someone laugh a little.  Life is too full of sadness and darkness not to have a little humor mixed into it.

Unlike most deep thinkers, I believe that laughter is good for the soul.  It can take your mind off your troubles even if only for a little while.  It can keep you from falling into the depths of despair when life is attacking from all sides.  It can maintain your sanity even in life’s most difficult situations..

Red Skelton started honing his entertainment skills at the age of ten, when he appeared in a medicine show.  He continued to work in show business for the rest of his life.  He performed his brand of comedy on a show boat, in burlesque, vaudeville, radio and movies and finally on television.  He was kind of a quirky fellow, who would never make it in today’s world, because his humor was more  slapstick and unsophisticated, but sometimes we need that kind of funny too.  A good pie in the face never hurt anyone and I personally can attest to that.

When we’re suffering through depression; when we’ve lost someone dear to us in death; when we wonder if we have enough money to make it to the next payday – if there is one;  when we’ve suffered a relationship loss;  we need to grieve for a while, but we need to pull up our bootstraps at some point and smile again too. The alternative isn’t pretty.

Proverbs 15:13 – A merry heart maketh a cheerful countenance: but by sorrow of the heart the spirit is broken.

 

 

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FATHER OF LIES

Posted on March 28, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ MATTHEW 4:1-11

He was there in the Garden of Eden, slithering into human minds with deception and promises he had no right to make.  He was there throughout Israel’s history, rearing his ugly head and hardening hearts against the One True God.  He was there as kings ruled, countries fell, change occurred.  He is present today in every evil thought and deed man can conceive of. He has been man’s nemesis since the beginning of time.

When Jesus spent 40 days in the desert fasting, the devil was right there.   It was necessary for Jesus, in His humanity, to face the slings and full quiver of arrows Satan was preparing to throw His way.  Jesus was weakened by hunger and thirst.  His body ached from lack of sleep and nourishment.  His humanity had lowered Him to His weakest point.  It was just the right moment for Satan to strike.

He approached the God/Man with words from the Bible.  He still does this today when he twists the words to his own advantage.  He was so bold to think that he could possibly tempt the Son of God, but that’s the way he operates.  He comes to us in our weakest hours, when we’re anxious, depressed, lonely, in pain or nearing death.  He pulls out all the stops, because he wants us to suffer along with him in the depths of hell.  Misery likes company, they say.

In those moments, Jesus didn’t lose His resolve.  He came right back at the devil with words from the same source, setting another example for us.  We have access to God’s weaponry in that Bible.  It is sure to kick the devil right where he needs to be kicked.

He was there as Jesus ministered to the sick, healed the lost and forsaken, forgave the sins of the world.  He was there when Judas betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver.  He was in the courtyard when Peter denied knowing his Savior.  He was there during the unfair trial, when spikes were driven into Jesus hands and blood flowed from His innocent body.  He was in his glory during those times, thinking he had finally defeated God.

He was in his hellish realm when Jesus came to claim victory after His human body died.  When He rose from death and revealed Himself to His followers, Satan was no where to be found.

The devil continues to walk the earth, seeking those he would devour, but God’s ransom for our souls has been paid and we can confidently say that Satan no longer holds claim to us.  We still should be on guard.  He has been allowed this time, before the final judgment, to lead us away from God.  We won’t see him as the man in the red suit with a pitchfork and horns.  He will appear as one of us – manipulating our thinking, testing our intellect, endeavoring to make us believe we can outsmart God.  The day is coming when he will no longer be able to lift his head.  Satan has been defeated.  The work was done for us, because of the love of God.  In the end, we win because Jesus won salvation for us.

 

 

 

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A NOBLE MAN’S SON

Posted on March 27, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ JOHN 4:46-54

When the rich man came to Jesus to have his sick son healed, we learn that Christ didn’t come to this world simply to save the poor, the destitute, the outcasts of society.  He came to save all people.  His salvation revives the life we have on earth and saves our souls for Eternity.

We don’t know this man’s name or what his actual title was, but we can assume he is wealthy.  Undoubtedly he heard about Jesus and His ability to heal the sick. He must’ve been witness to the first miracle at Cana when water was changed to wine.

His son was at death’s door.  Anyone who has witnessed the sickness of a child or seen them struggling for life immediately becomes compassionate. When the child is your own, it’s unbearable to think of losing them.  We go to great lengths to provide the best health care, medicine, doctors and hospitals.  We trust all of them to do what science has enabled them to accomplish by God’s hand.

Jesus, always full of compassion, made a point of the fact that the miracles He did weren’t His mission.  He was able to raise the dead, feed the hungry and heal the sick, but He came to save us from a much greater malady – sin.

Still the noble man had faith that Jesus could also heal his child.  He truly believed that Jesus was capable of the deed.  The signs he saw and heard of, were a means of building the man’s faith.

I believe that God sometimes gives us signs to encourage the growth of our faith.  Many years ago, when my father was at the brink of death, my sister and I drove from Minneapolis to Milwaukee to be with him for his final time on earth.  As we drove through picturesque landscapes, rolling hills and green pastures, my eyes turned to heaven.  The clear blue color was interrupted by one lone cloud.  The wispy cloud looked like an angel.  It was beautiful and had a calming effect on me.  When we arrived at the hospital, our dad had already passed away.  Out of curiosity, I asked what time he died.  It was the same time as I had viewed the cloud.

Some may call that coincidence.  I call it a message from heaven assuring me that my dad was on his way there.  We certainly can’t rely on those events to bring us to heaven, but I do think God allows them to happen to give us comfort.

In the story of the nobleman and his child we learn lessons about parenting, love, compassion, tenderness, faith, believing,  trust and the power of Jesus, the Son of God.  We also learn that Jesus came for one purpose and that was to heal us from sin.  He took that burden upon His own back and carried it willingly to the cross.   Beautiful Savior!

 

 

 

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