MY WRITING JOURNEY

Posted on April 13, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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Only fifteen thousand words to go.  Maybe I could add some ands, buts, pluses, likewises or toos.  The word count has been my nemesis in this process.  I realize words are a necessary component to flesh out my characters, so I continue to go back and edit a section to bring that person to life.  I wonder if Mary Shelley had this problem writing “Frankenstein?”    Actually, she was a much freer spirit than I.  I think drugs and alcohol may have played a part in that one. Lewis Carroll may have taken the same path, but I digress.

I have a tendency to go off track.  My mind works that way.  The beauty of writing, however, is that you can go back and change things.  It’s like taking as long as a week before you speak, because you want to say just the right words.  I can’t let the words simply fall on the paper.  They must be pondered before they’re set in stone.

This  adventure has been all consuming.  After I complete my blog posts each day, I get right on it.  I’m neglecting other things, because I’ve set an imaginary deadline for myself.  I want to get this done before I’m dead!  Although the story might be a lot better if I was writing it in heaven.

So the cobwebs are mounting  in every corner of my house.  Laundry piles grow high.  Dirty dishes often stay in the sink overnight.  My floors need scrubbing, the windows need some serious attention and for some reason, this doesn’t bother me.  I’ve resorted to working in my pajamas with no make up and hair flying in several directions.

I have second thoughts about my story lines. Do I have too many complex subplots?  I wonder if there is too much tragedy and sadness to make it believable.  Then I turn on the news and realize that this is the way life is today.  Will I hold my reader’s attention? I’m being directed at times by the will and voices of my characters.  The plots I had originally planned are being re-written by them.  It’s a little weird, but I appreciate their input.

I never dreamed this journey would be so intense, difficult at times, unrewarding and lonely.  Once the words are written and the storyline is resolved, I will have to edit.  That process will undoubtedly take longer than the writing part.  I’ve already experienced some of that as I go, but I’m certain I’ve got a long way to go.  I don’t know how long I have left on this planet, so it’s become like something I want to scratch off my bucket list.

So I press on for the prize.  Oh, that’s another part of my life, having nothing to do with writing, because this prize won’t necessarily be achieved.  When you consider all the hours, sweat, tears, angst, exhaustion and fear you go through, it’s hard to imagine if anyone else will think your work is as great as you think it is.

 

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BEHOLD THE CROSS

Posted on April 13, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

When bruised and injured we do fall, before our Father’s throne
And look upon the lamb once slain for all sins to atone,
Our pain is nothing next to His, our wounds are all but naught.
The blood He shed, His torturous death were all with insult fraught,

But still the Son of God went forth in dignity and strength,
He took our place and bore the cross until His dying breath,
Three days went by.   He shunned the grave and rose to life again.
He did this so I too could claim a life in heaven with Him.

Sweet Jesus you have walked the road that I deserved to go.

You did this oh so willingly and You knew just what to do
So when I’m feeling battered and pulled in many ways,
Remind me of the walk you took and please accept the praise.

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OLD RUGGED CROSS

Posted on April 12, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

The cross which carried the Son of God,

Has long since passed away,

This rotted tree,

This imperfect,

Ugly,

Distressed,

Bloodied,

Rack of human torture,

No longer exists,

Yet it has become a symbol of love,

A pennon of hope,

A standard of peace and eternal life,

As the sun cuts through the darkness,

So does our Savior,

He brings promise to a blackened world,

Removes the shroud of sin and

Brings salvation to all.

 

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WHAT’S UP WITH ALL THE PARABLES?

Posted on April 12, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

 

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READ MATTHEW 13:10-17

The teachings of Jesus were often wrapped in stories designed for the common man.  They had a spiritual lesson tucked into an earthly tale which they could relate to – An earthly story with a heavenly meaning.  Since the Word of God is designed to be read and studied by all people, it often relays stories which make the point clear by using events we can understand.  The Bible is God’s story (His Story) given to us as His one-on-one communication to us.

When Jesus walked the earth, He used parables to reach the masses.  These were stories filled with issues that effected the people of that time, but they are still pertinent today.  He also used these stories to fulfill the prophesy of Isaiah,

“You will indeed hear but never understand,
    and you will indeed see but never perceive.”
 For this people’s heart has grown dull,
    and with their ears they can barely hear,
    and their eyes they have closed,
lest they should see with their eyes
    and hear with their ears
and understand with their heart
    and turn, and I would heal them.”

Those who followed Jesus were from all walks of life.  There was the common man – the Jew waiting for the promised Messiah.  There were shepherds, farmers, land managers, bankers, tax collectors, butchers, bakers, handmaidens. There were also those who governed and policed the cities.  The spiritual lessons Christ was teaching applied to everyone of them and they still do today.

When we hear about the shepherd in search of his one lost sheep, we can understand Jesus’  concern for each individual in his care.  When the story of the prodigal is told, we learn that our heavenly Father will forgive our sins – no matter how bad – because of His love for us.  The stories are many and each one guides us to the truth of God’s Word.

Everything Jesus did during His ministry was a fulfillment of a prophesies told in ancient times.  This makes it all so vividly true for us as believers.  All that was spoken of Jesus long before His birth was being coming to pass.  This is how we know the Bible is true, because it supports itself.

As we now prepare for Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem, we see the perfect, unblemished lamb going to His death to redeem us.  He is the Lamb, the Shepherd, the Redeemer.  It’s not complicated, but we often make it so.  Like Jesus’ parables, the truth is simple.  Jesus came to save all people – all sinners – you and me!

 

 

 

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on April 12, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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EASTER EGGS  GETTING READY IS HE.

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WALLY’S FRYDADDY FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on April 12, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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HELP

Posted on April 11, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

Can anyone tell me why I’m seeing ads all over my posts? Not being paid to run them. I didn’t request them and I personally don’t condone them. If you know let me know how to remove them!

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LOVE ONE ANOTHER

Posted on April 11, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ JOHN 13

In John 13 we’re given another commandment to follow.  “Love one another, just as I have loved you.”  Jesus loves everyone.  He would turn no one away during His time on earth.  He preached to and healed many who were considered the scum of the earth.  His love for mankind was born when He entered His mother’s womb and was born in a lowly stable.  He went through life sharing, listening, showing compassion, teaching, bringing relief to everyone He came into contact with.  He did so out of pure love.

In early writings about this new group of Christians formed after the resurrection of Jesus, particularly the Apology of Justin Martyr, we have a description of how they lived – how they cared for one another’s physical, mental and spiritual needs.  They watched out for each other.  They had each other’s back.  They shared with those of lesser means.  They watched over widows and the elderly.  They made sacrifices for each other.

This is what Jesus was talking about when He told us to love as He loved.  In John 13, we see Jesus washing His disciples’ feet – a task reserved for servants.  In this very act He’s demonstrating selfless love.  This is the kind of love He wants us to have for each other.  This is what He meant when He told us to be lights in the world.  He wants us to shine as examples for them as well.

Somewhere along the line, I think we’ve lost that kind of love. With a society that is currently turning inward – cocooning – isolating themselves – not interacting – we are bound to see that kind of love slip away.  We need to be with others.  It’s part of our human makeup to be social individuals.  Caring for each other is part of that interaction.

There are those who go to visit the sick and suffering.  There are people who go the extra mile to help their neighbors shovel the sidewalk or help them carry their groceries.  There are folks who do these things not out of love, but what they might get out of it.  The kind of love Jesus is referring to is that of a servant’s heart.

Let’s make it a goal, during these final days of Lent, to let our light shine.  Let people know that we are different than those who are self-serving.  Let them know that we’re willing to give everything for those around us, because Jesus first loved us.

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WELCOME TO MINNESNOWTA

Posted on April 11, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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At least the April snow showers waited until Final Four was over.  I don’t know why we’re always surprised by a late snow storm in my state, because it has become apparent that we only have two seasons – winter and winter.  Last night we received at least five inches of snow on the ground.  That doesn’t include the five inches that fell before that and melted immediately upon touch down.

Maybe if we didn’t have these pop up storms, we’d have nothing exciting to talk about.  God loves us extra special up here in the north country.  Where else can you go shopping for spring clothes in heavy parkas and boots?  It seems we always get just a sneak peak at spring and then get hammered with one more storm, before it turns into summer.

Oh, well, guess I’ll go back to bed until I don’t see my shadow anymore.  Nothing like a long winter’s nap.

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HOW MANY TIMES MUST YOU BE TOLD?

Posted on April 10, 2019 by atimetoshare.me

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READ LUKE 18:31-34

The crowds were unrelenting.  The words spoken were inwardly digested.  Jesus was performing miraculous deeds.  Many were coming to faith in Him. It was getting close to His final time on earth and He needed more time with His disciples.  The group of these few good men, were his core. He wanted them to be prepared for what was going to happen.  He gathered them together and took them away from the crowds so they could be alone.  He then mapped out what would happen in the next few days.

He told of His betrayal into the hands of His enemies.  He spoke of His upcoming humiliation, suffering and death.  He related that through these things, the prophesies would be fulfilled.   This wasn’t the first time Jesus spoke of His mission.  They’d heard it all before, but still they didn’t have a clue about what was going to happen.

Think of how it is when we’re trying to teach or help our children.  How many times do we have to repeat ourselves before the truth sinks in?    You warn them about possible danger. You alert them to the consequences of doing something wrong. You implore them to clean their rooms.  Frankly, I don’t think kids ever actually hear that one, because they rarely follow through.

Jesus message was more unbelievable.  None of it made sense. Who would betray Him?  They’d been together for three years and were loyal to Him.  The idea of selling him out was impossible.  Jesus said He would be tortured, spat upon, suffer extreme pain and mockery.  That too was hard to imagine.  The disciples knew their leader was gaining momentum.   The crowds He attracted were overwhelming.  How could they turn on Him in just a matter of days?

The fact that Jesus was telling these things to His men, wasn’t intended to worry them.  He loved them all, just as He is willing to die for every human being.  His intention was to prepare His men for what lay ahead – to encourage them – to strengthen their faith.

Were they prepared?  Are we?  We have the benefit of having a written account of all the events of Jesus’ ministry, His suffering, His death, His resurrection, His appearance to them after He was brought back to life.  When it came time to defend their Savior, Peter acted in the moment and cut off a soldier’s ear. Others ran as fast as they could to escape. One lost his garment in his fear.  One would go to the Pharisees to return the blood money he was given and proceed to commit suicide.  Where were they when Jesus needed them most?

We’re much like the disciples in that we don’t always heed what our Champion has told us.  We know it’s important, but it doesn’t make the top of our priority list.  The message doesn’t make sense or fit into our timeline.

How many times did Jesus have to tell His followers?  We know that He spoke of it many times during those three years.  It was definitely important or He would not have made a point of repeating it.

When we’re trying to get the attention of our children, we often have to repeat ourselves over and over.  It might sink in.  Most likely it will take more times of telling.  When Jesus has something important to say, we better listen.

 

 

 

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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

FFF#1

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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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