WEAR SOMEONE ELSE’S SHOES

Posted on November 8, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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The image I selected for this post is somewhat tongue in cheek.  I really believe that walking in another person’s shoes will enlighten you.  It will show you that you can do something you didn’t think you could do and it might even change your mind about what you originally thought.

This post was originally written on this day in 2012, but it still rings true, considering I recently stepped out of my writer shoes into my performance shoes.  In honor of throw back Thursday.  Here goes:

When I’m teaching drama classes, it’s hard for me to sit still. I like to become actively involved with my students. It might be the actor in me, but I often find it easier to show by example. That’s why I still like to perform in a show once in a while.

As a director, it’s easy to see where young performers should be in the scheme of things and how they should deliver their lines or what their motivation should be; but to be a really good director, it seems to me that you should work on the opposite side of the stage once in a while to see what the actor actually goes through.

The same thing is true for an actor. When you’re performing, you don’t always see what you look like and even if you think you’re doing well, without someone to guide you, your performance could easily fall flat.

In life it’s the same thing. We need someone to direct us through it, even though we think we’ve got it all figured out. It’s especially nice when you have someone who has lived it and knows what you’re going through – a teacher who shows by example.

In my case, I still flub things up and don’t get it right; but Jesus has lived the perfect life – without sin. He has experienced every emotion I have. He corrects and directs me with His Father’s law and the supreme example of forgiveness He showed while living here on earth. Praise our holy God for having the wisdom and love to share His only Son with us.

Through Him, we not only have forgiveness of sins, but everlasting life and a handbook for this one.

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WALKING IN FAITH – NOT BY SIGHT

Posted on November 8, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Have you ever experience total darkness?  It gives you a feeling of helplessness, knowledge of what it’s like to be blind and relying on others completely.  I usually like to sleep with a light on in a hallway or another room for those various reasons.

When I was teaching drama, we’d often take a “blind walk” through the environment.  The kids would close their eyes tightly, but some couldn’t resist peeking.  They felt so much more secure when they could see what was going on.  The point of the exercise is to get individuals to use their other senses when one isn’t available to them.  By touching, smelling, listening and even taste testing something we can envision our environment.

As we walked from building to outdoors, they would touch the cement sidewalk, the bricked path, through fragrant gardens, listening to the sounds of the space.  When we rely on our sight alone, it’s difficult to act in faith.  Were always looking for answers – ones that suit our needs.  Maybe faith should be considered one of our senses.  We need it to believe that which is unseen and often unknown.

Are you walking in faith or by sight?

Walking by faith is another gift from God through the Holy Spirit, who first entered us through the act of baptism.  Faith is a belief in something you can’t see, hear, feel, taste or smell.  So in effect everything about our salvation is a reflection of God working in and through us.  Even though we can’t physically see Him, by faith, we know He exists and is walking beside us through our journey.

Faith, like trust, is a word which describes complete reliance on someone or something, to get us through the turmoil of this world and set us down in heaven some day.  Take a blind walk someday, or simply close your eyes and use your other senses to determine where you are.  We have an advantage through faith, because God loved the world so much, He sent His Son to die for our darkness and sin – to bear our punishment – our pain – our separation from God.  Through faith, we have the confidence that we are never alone – even when we feel like our world is closing in on us.

God opens our eyes when we dig deeply into His Word.  He strengthens us through His Holy Spirit, who inspired the words within that Bible. He is a loving Father who wants all His children to enjoy paradise.  Through the only Son of God, Jesus, we have been made holy in God’s sight.

OPEN YOUR EYES!

 

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

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IT’S JUST ANOTHER DAY

Posted on November 7, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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I woke up this morning, two hours later than usual.  My dog is finally getting acclimated to the time change and I praise God for that.  I went to bed, wondering about the mid-term election.  What would the results be and how would I be affected by the outcome.  There were the “experts” with their gloom and doom predictions.  There were those who claimed the election was not for the candidates on the ballot, but for the current administration.  Big shots showed up to endorse the candidates of their choice prior to election day.  We were inundated with hateful advertising.  The president, ex-president and many more, took to the soap boxes defending and making promises for change.

I woke up this morning and there was snow on the ground.  It’s not too early for snow in my neck of the woods, but it was a pleasant surprise.  All the grunge underneath that snow will now turn to mulch and fertilizer for the next growing season.  The circle of life continues as it has for the last 76 years of my life.  There have been changes to the way we communicate, how we shop, the way we concentrate on our own needs rather than those of others, the way we live.  However patriotism remains in our land.  We have the ability to cast a ballot and be proud of it – hope that promises will be kept – and that our country will still maintain its checks and balances.

I woke up this morning thinking what’s the difference who wins an election?  I wondered why so much money as spent on ads that everyone hated.  I wondered if that money couldn’t have been better spent on solving some the problems with homelessness, care of our veterans, the safety of our children.  There really should be a cap on what people spend to buy their political office.

I woke up this morning – alive – having a good night’s rest – unconcerned about shoveling snow which will melt by afternoon – and unaffected by the noise of politics.  It’s over, but it will return again.  Maybe by then, I’ll be singing with the angels and anger won’t be a part of my vocabulary anymore.

I woke up this morning and so did you.  Each citizen of the United States must now go forward instead of taking any steps back.  The balance of power remains.  If we voted for the candidate of our choice and they did not win, we accept that with grace and move on.  If our candidate did win, we should be glad, but not prideful.  The anger that has overtaken many of our people today has put everyone in a bad mood.  Its really time to start working together again.  We are, after all, the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

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Work in Progress

Posted on November 6, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

Miriam Queensen writes in detail about her learning art from Paul Boecher who is her instructor at Rum River Art Center. I am proud of my husband’s technique for teaching. It takes time to create a masterpiece. He allows his students to loosen up and enjoy the ride. I’m anxious to see the finished product of Miriam’s painting and love her journaling of the process.

Miriam Queensen's avatarMiriam Queensen

For my acrylic painting class at Rum River Art Center, we’re creating a painting over several sessions, from the beginnings of a color tint/background to the final stage, where we’ll add details to complete the painting. Most of us chose larger canvases than our paintings from the first classes that I wrote about last time; mine is 18″ x 20″.

When I told my father about the painting class, he said he didn’t think he’d have the patience. I think that’s true of most of us — we expect instant gratification in so many areas of our lives (we want immediate responses to texts, instant information at our fingertips, and popcorn takes only 2.5 minutes to make). While working on our paintings, we want them to “look like something,” or be instantly beautiful.

It doesn’t help, perhaps, that our very experienced instructor, Paul Boecher, can conjure a painting…

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WHAT WILL I BE WHEN I GROW UP?

Posted on November 6, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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First of all, I am 76 years old and I admit that growing up isn’t what it’s cracked up to be. I believe the whole process is overrated.  When we’re five we can’t wait to be ten.  When we’re ten we want to be 21.  When we’re 21 we want to be 50. When we’re in our seventies we begin to dream of being five again.  Even as we grow old, we can continue to dream about what we will finally be when we grow up.

For example, most of us have experienced a lot of different things through our journey.  Some have been exciting, while others have been mind bending and heart breaking.  When I was in high school, the doors were beginning to open for women in the workplace.  No longer were we restricted to nursing, secretarial work, housekeeping or stay at home mom. I wanted to be a brain surgeon.  The fact that I wasn’t proficient in math and science kept that from happening.

As I got closer to making a decision about university vs. technical college, the cost of university was the deciding factor.  I studied shorthand and other business skills, including my passion for writing.  There was an educational television station connected to the school.  I wrote copy for programming which in turn set my mind spinning on writing for a living.  Some college classes in creative writing and journalism were added to my evenings, keeping thoughts of new occupations alive.

In my life I’ve been a stenographer (who couldn’t read her own shorthand,) a loan processor, an office manager, a temp in a number of jobs.  I became a wife, a mother, a housekeeper, diaper changer, business manager and chief cook and bottle washer  I’ve been a waitress, a drama coach, a dialect coach, a playwright, a puppet maker, costumer, director, actor, teacher and helped my husband as he started new business ventures.

In my latter years, I’ve gone back to doing the things I love.  My writing has become a passion as I continue writing this blog.  I’ve been in the process of writing a novel for some time.  I’ve written a couple of screen plays.  I have difficulty with rejection, so most of what I’ve written has never been published.

No matter where life takes us, if we just sit and watch it go by, we will soon lose our zest for living.  I’ve seen many of my friends grow old physically when the retire.  For me it’s an opportunity to keep doing what I love to do.  I’ve taken to writing poetry.  I still like to direct.  I’ve recently returned to the stage.  I keep on keeping on.

So what do I want to be when I grow up?  First, I hope I never do grow up.  I hope I will continue to learn more about God and His direction for my life.  I’ve given serious thought to becoming a stand up comic.  My only issue is that I’d have to sit down to do it.

Whatever you do with your life, be sure to learn from all of it.  We have but a short time to make a mark on this world.  It doesn’t have to occupy half of the planet. Just a small mark will do.  On the way, be sure to tell others about the love available to them from Jesus.  He has a perfect plan for our lives today and in the future – even after we die.

 

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THINGS HAPPEN …

Posted on November 6, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

8f3f7efcd1d65eceb1e8614049d6818b--meaningful-sayings-things-happenMy husband and I developed a habit since retiring.  We like to take one afternoon to drive into the country and enjoy the view.  Our dog also precisely when it’s time for the adventure to begin, since he comes along.

Last week, we were searching for a specific destination, so I got out my phone and referred to my map app to guide us.  I always seem to have difficulty getting into the right spot in the app and voiced my displeasure by saying, “It’s so hard to navigate this site.”  I returned the device to my purse and suddenly heard a voice reply, I’m sorry.  Things like this happen all the time.”

Both of us chuckled as we realized my phone was having compassion for me.  Now with all the other electronic devices available to us, we could easily develop a friendship with each one of them.  We’re already on a first name basis with Alexa and Siri, right.  However who knows what might happen if either of them malfunctioned.

The Creator of the universe is available to us every minute of time, but have we grown to expect an instant answer from God? We don’t have to plug anything in to recharge it. We can be involved in a conversation immediately with God.  All we need to do is begin the talk.

Things do happen to us all the time.  We may find ourselves frustrated with our work place – within our relationships – in our worship – regarding our health or financial status. God never promised that our walk on this earth would be easy. In fact, He tells us in His Holy Word, that there will be trials, disappointments, loss, fear, anxiety and all the other negatives that face us as human beings.  We are not exempt just because we follow Christ.  In fact we may experience more of those things because of it.

God can console us in times of trouble.  An electronic device can distract us for a while, but the problem remains when the power runs out.  He never runs out of power, but we do.  We need to get recharged through His Word, the Bible.  Within those pages we will discover comfort, compassion, hope, freedom and promises that have been kept.  God won’t physically speak to us, like that little device  does, but His voice is evident throughout the Bible.

The bumps in the road and the hiccups of life will be with us until we die.  While we live, God promises a way for us to overcome those interruptions.  When we die, we’re assured of a life as it was intended to be.  Because of His great love, we will never die.

We can truly take on an attitude of positivity even when our path is difficult.  Things happen, but God is in control.  Have faith.

 

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WHERE HAVE ALL THE TREATS GONE?

Posted on November 5, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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When you only have two children knock on your door for Halloween treats, you’re bound to have leftovers.  So here I am, with snacks for 40 kids.  As I was thinking about that, while walking through the aisles of Walmart, an older woman asked, “Where has all the Halloween candy gone?”  If I had brought my treats along with me, I would gladly have given them to her, but such was not the case.

The shelves were filled with Christmas candy at that point, and my weird mind conjured up images of thousands of tiny elves taking the candy out of its Halloween costumes and dressing them in Christmas outfits.  It always amazes me how quickly our retail stores are at least one jump ahead when it comes to holidays.  We haven’t even celebrated Thanksgiving yet.

As I thought about this question, my enquiring mind went into overdrive and did a little research on what happens to trick or treat treats that no one wants.  There are a number of dentists who will take the candy in exchange for toothbrushes, toothpaste and other oral hygiene products.  There are organizations which send unused candy to deployed military. Some of it goes to veterans and the homeless.  Some stores will buy the candy back.  Again, these must be the ones who employ little elves to rewrap and remarket those tasty morsels.  At least they aren’t going to waste or in my case – waist..

As I recall, I uttered my thoughts about the elves to the woman who asked the question.  She looked at me, with a puzzled expression on her face and walked gingerly on her way.  I bet she’s got visions running through her head now too.

I’m happy to know that the abundance of leftovers are being put to good use.  I wish someone would help me clean out my refrigerator.  The things I put away, because there was too much, have turned into mini-science projects.

We are a throw away society I guess.  Everything is made to be used and disposed of at the same time.  Can you imagine all the usable items that fill our junkyards?  I personally don’t want to check it out, but I’m sure we throw away more things than we should.

So what’s my point?  I still see those little elves.  I don’t really have a point.  I fear I may be going crazy.  Happy Hallogivingmas and to all a good night or good morning.  I still haven’t adjusted to the time change.

 

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GOD’S WORD ALONE

Posted on November 3, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Your Word, Lord, is perfect. Its teachings are true,
By faith we accept it, not by what we do,
Your words can give strength to our weak minds each day,
Our path is made straight by the things that you say,
You reach out your hand and you touch me with love,
I long for the day when I see you above.

God’s Word is all we need to see the only way to Him,

It’s written by the pen of men but God’s love stirs within,

Inside the pages worn and marked, truth lays in every word,

God never lies. His Word is truth, penned by the men He inspired.

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THE CHURCH UNITED

Posted on November 2, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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What is a team without a leader?  How does a corporation thrive without someone to guide it?  What happens when everyone thinks they know better than the boss or there are too many cooks in the kitchen? Usually the result is chaos.

When Paul spoke to young Christians, he referred to being part of a body – each one having some talent or specific use to assist in the operation of it – and this can be applied not only to the church itself, but to our lives.

When we lose the use of part of our body it is not only difficult, but we have to compensate for that loss somehow.   God always provides a way for us to go on.  In the Christ’s body, we are all united to serve each other with Christ at the head of all of us.

That shouldn’t make us feel useless, but reassure us that we have the Creator of the universe in control of everything we do.  Not only that, we have each others’ backs when we need help in life.  God doesn’t need our help, but isn’t it cool to know that He gives us jobs to do in and for His kingdom?

We are all important in the scheme of things.  Without us, the body of the church will go on, but it will suffer some.  We must be on guard to keep it intact – to nurture each other in faith and love – to serve the head or the brains of the outfit, Jesus, Christ, putting Him first in all that we do.

What a privilege and honor to be a necessary part of the body of Christ.

 

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FRY DADDY WALLY’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on November 2, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on November 2, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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CURRENT ELECTION RELEVANT IT IS NOT.  END MUST BE IN SIGHT, YES HMMMMM!

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TRICK OR TREAT?

Posted on November 1, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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I read somewhere that parents should carefully check the candy their children obtain begging door to door.  Someone shared candy that must’ve been in the pantry for several years and there were worms in it!  Others fear drugs might be laced into the candy.  There’s also a call out to warn the kids that you may be giving them something that contains peanuts or other things that children may have allergies to. Why would you even take your child out to gather treats if they had allergies?

What used to be a fun time for kids, now has to be monitored by the candy police.  Several churches host “Trunk or Treat” events, which allow folks to congregate in their parking lot and hand out treats from the trunks of their cars.  A party with games and prizes usually follows.  It seems like all the mystery and scariness of Halloween should be celebrated, yet whatever they get for nothing is subject to scrutiny.  I could write an entire article on how our welfare system compares to trick or treating, but that would be a digression of what I wanted to talk about today.

We often ventured into unknown neighborhoods of people who could’ve meant to harm us, but we didn’t care.  We were invincible.  As we became teenagers, the costumes turned darker, the makeup hid every ounce of who we were and still we clamored from house to house.  Some were accused of mischief, but for me it meant a whole sack full of treats which would satisfy my sweet tooth for at least a month.

It’s kind of sad that kids can’t seem to have that element of adventure in their lives anymore.  That being said, we had two children at our door last night.  I planned for many more, so now I have a basket full of candy that may turn wormy if I let it sit too long.  Since I have absolutely no food allergies, guess who’s going to be eating all that junk?

I gave up waiting for hoards of children and tuned into TCM.  Last night they featured a host of Vincent Price movies. “The House of Wax,” The Pit and the Pendulum,” and another Poe thriller, “The Mask of the Red Death.”  My husband went to bed, so I was alone in the darkness with only the blue glow of the TV.  I got to thinking how fun it used to be to get scared to death.

As I watched these melodramatic movies, I had to chuckle at the over acting, but at the same time, it was fun recalling my own childhood – remembering that when I was young, there wasn’t a constant fear of being bullied – being terrified by a mind altered, gun wielding individual who would threaten lives or just being part of the group.  The only concern for us was getting as much free stuff as we could and sitting huddled together watching old scary movies.  For a short time, I was reliving my youth.  It took a lot of tossing and turning before I actually fell asleep.  Nothing like a scary movie to get your adrenaline going.

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WHO – HOO ARE YOU?

Posted on November 1, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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NEW ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The sky is turning golden now, the children run the streets,

We can’t tell who they have become, a ghost beneath the sheets,

A super hero or a queen, a zombie or a crook,

A sweet young face has now been hid, by green and slimy gook.

They’re now unrecognizable, we’ll never know their name,

They knock on doors and scare some folks, who’ll never be the same,

Today the fresh cut pumpkins lay, as remnants of a prank,

Trees covered in toilet paper,  sweet treats are in the tank,

Today the masks come off again, and we know who you are,

Yet hidden deep inside of you, you wish upon a star,

To take you to a different place, to be somebody new,

To hide again beneath that mask is what you’re driven to,

Instead look deep inside yourself and find out who you are,

Your journey may seem too heavy, you think you won’t go far,

But God has planned a life for you, in this world and the next,

He knows just where He’s taking you and it will be the best.

 

 

 

 

 

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DAYS TO COME

Posted on October 31, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

A sweet hint of inspiration and light upon the bay,

The quiet indication of sights we see each day,

A lonely craft cuts through the waves, the sky with clouds entwine,

The trees turn red and yellow now, as part God’s design,

A placid lake, a peaceful scene, pastoral in its wake,

The sky is filled with majesty, a back seat it will take,

Encased with skeletal remains of empty, withered branches,

The trees give way to lonliness, a change of circumstances,

Soon snow will fill these longing arms, with life to come once more,

The deadly grip of winter’s hold, we simply can’t ignore,

Yet with each season life returns, vitality restored,

Life will go on eternally, to places unexplored.

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UPSIDE DOWN

Posted on October 30, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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I’m not one to get on my soap box to spread gloom and doom.  I’d much rather talk about the peace we can achieve through reading the scriptures.  However, even in the Bible, there are stories of perversion of truth, kings as well as commoners turning from God, and the power of the devil and his adversaries.  There are also indications of what we should expect as signs of the end times.

Sometimes I pray for Judgment Day to come soon.  Other times I feel as though there’s got to be hope for mankind and that God’s work isn’t finished yet on this planet.  Then there are times when I see mankind turning so far from God – hatred abounds – anger and rage are common – good has been flipped to become evil.  The good guys are now the bad guys.  The media is out to get us.  Our politicians will get us if the media doesn’t.  The most annoying among us are the first to get attention – the squeaky wheel syndrome.

As believers in the Bible and the One who inspired it, we should live in the world, but not be part of it and its madness. The prophet Isaiah was inspired to set down a handbook for the chosen people of God – Israel.  In so doing, he was also establishing the way for all of us to live.  The passage above shows how much God detests this behavior.

When things get so out of control, the devil is winning.  God has already defeated Satan through His Son, Jesus who took away the sin of the world.  Still the evil one still roams the earth like a lion on the prowl, looking for those he can draw away from God to himself.  He’ll never experience true peace, because he has alienated himself from God.  He’s responsible for turning our world upside down.  He’s the one who makes evil look good to us.  You can see the results of his handiwork in our world today, and it’s been present throughout history.

We can blame the devil – the terrorists – the bad guys – the atheists – the government – the press .  The truth is, we’re all to blame.  Those who have created the evil in the world are just like you and me.  We’re all sinful in nature.  We’re drawn to evil.  Yet we have the greatest weapon to fight against it.  God is our refuge and strength.  It’s time for us to get reconnected to Him.  Maybe it’s time for another Reformation.

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SOAR WITH THE EAGLES

Posted on October 30, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

To soar with the eagles no matter how high,

To reach all my goals or at least I can try,

To try and to fail but never give up,

To turn to my God to fill my cup,

To speak what I feel without fear of dissension,

To believe what I choose without intervention,

To live without fear and to follow my dreams,

To love and be loved with a peace that redeems.

The only thing needful for freedom that’s true

Is to love one another as Jesus loves you.

 

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
    they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
    they shall walk and not faint.”

 ISAIAH 40:31

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SUNDAY PRAYER

Posted on October 28, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Dear, Father, God,

I humbly come before your throne with prayers for our nation.  There seems to be so much hatred and violence in the hearts of our people.  We can place the blame on this and that, but the truth is, we are all guilty and have fallen short of what you expect of us.  Hate was never part of your original plan.  You created this world to be perfect in every way.

But there was one who thought he was wiser, smarter and more powerful than you.  When he entered your perfectly created domain, sin also came with him.  Today we see the results of that original sin in the minds of all people, in the hearts of those who aren’t getting their way, in the actions of those whose minds have been twisted by the evil that permeates our civilization.

There is no one here we can trust.  Even our churches, schools and workplaces are at risk of becoming victim to terroristic attacks.  You are the only One to look to when times get out of hand like they are today.  You, who thought nothing of sacrificing your own blood for the forgiveness of sin, are the only answer when things seem hopeless.

We as a nation, need to turn back to you for help.  We can’t overcome the evil alone.  Even though the devil was defeated when Christ conquered sin and death, he still is allowed to roam the earth until the end of time.  We continue to need your protection from the madness around us.  We pray for your intervention in a world seemingly falling to the pit of hell.

I know that you love us, even when we are unlovable.  I implore you to plant the seeds of love back into the hearts of men.  Help us to work together, even when we’re not always united in our thinking.  Someone once said, “what the world needs now is love.”  This is so true, but we must remember that it has always been available to us through you.  Draw us to you. Cleanse the evil from a world that has forgotten or given up on you.  Only you can bring love to the world again, as you did when you first sent your Son to us.

I pray this in His holy name.  Come again, Lord, Jesus.  AMEN!

 

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COME UNTO HIM

Posted on October 28, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

His life was a mess. He was tattered and torn; still he slowly approached the door,

He had lost every hope. He was broken and worn. Yet he felt there had to be more,

With all of his might, with his life now exposed, he trembled within and without,

His right hand now raised, with fist tightly closed, he knocked for someone to come out.

His hand shook in fear as he heard a voice speak; “What do you want, my son?”

His heart beat so fast and his courage grew weak. He stuttered, “I shouldn’t have come.”

Before he could leave, he listened once more to the comfort he gained from the voice,

“Repent and have faith, I’ll open the door, it’s up to you now – it’s your choice.”

The words were too easy. There had to be more, but still he couldn’t resist,

Unworthy to speak to this merciful man, he finally checked off his list.

“The path I’ve been on took me into despair; I don’t deserve anything good,

The folks that I’ve hurt; they no longer care. I’m alone and misunderstood.”

“I’ve nowhere to turn, I need to confess. I simply must empty my heart.

Please let me come in. I’m in such distress. My life could use a new start.”

The door slowly opened, with hands stretched out wide. Wounds still remaining there,

And then he invited the poor soul inside and released him from all of his care.

“My child, I’ve been waiting for you to come home. Now stay right beside me today,

For now and forever you’ll never more roam. In my house is a room – please stay,

With tears in his eyes, the man fell to his knees, he knew he was where he should be,

For once he was blind, but now he could see. With this man he finally felt free.

“Now don’t be afraid, just listen to me, I’ve something important to say,

Your road has been hard – I’ve been there, you see, but you have returned today.

I have heard your request, I know all your needs. All you had to do was come back.

I love you, my son, I’ve erased your misdeeds. Your soul is no longer black.”

God loves everyone and he wants every soul to dwell in heaven some day,

Simply seek, knock and ask – He will open the door and wash all your sins away,

Praise God for salvation and serve others too. He wants you to share this good news,

Go and love one another, lay your troubles on Him, you really have nothing to lose.

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PUMPKIN PATCH

Posted on October 27, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART  & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Pumpkins orange and trees of gold will soon be gone and done,

No longer will the crimson leaves lay carpets at our feet,

Greens turned to yellow, brown and rust, God’s timeline has outrun,

Harvest has been gathered and stored, and winter soon we’ll greet.

 

Now skeletal branches swaying, dancing with grace and style,

Reminders of our mortal lives, telling us to slow down,

Enjoy the ride where it may go, and take it mile by mile,

Each day is a gift so live it, soon you will wear a crown.

 

God breathes in life for a purpose, and we’re a part of that,

We live to share His gracious love, we die to life once more,

Like seasons we change our colors, we learn how to adapt,

But God remains in His heavens, opening up the door.

 

When life no longer sustains us, we shrivel and we die,

We shed our skin and turn to dust, our soul is still alive,

What God’s Son, Jesus did for us, will lift that soul on high,

Through heaven’s gate we’ll walk right in, and we will never die.

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HIGHLIGHT OF MY WEEK

Posted on October 27, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

CHIRO

OK this cartoon has nothing to do with the highlight, but I thought it was cute.  This week has actually been pretty quiet for me and because we’re changing seasons quickly here in Lake Woebegone, I thought I’d start organizing closets for winter – pack away the summer stuff – sort through and dispose of things I no longer wear and do something domestic for a change.

It all began with the crate of winter clothes I had stored away last spring.  As I lifted it, showing off my muscular ability and never say die attitude , I could feel something snap in my lower back.  This wasn’t unfamiliar territory for me.  I immediately set the crate down and fell to my knees in pain.  No, this wasn’t the highlight of my week either, but it led to it.

After trying to tough it out for a couple days, I called the chiropractor, who happens to be in the neighborhood of our old, old house, which is a good half hour away.  Fortunately I’d be able to get in the next day.  By that time I was walking like my mother used to – all hunched over, looking pretty much like a bagel.

It’s been over a year since I’ve visited this amazing woman.  She always knows precisely where the pain lies and how to get rid of it.  Not only that, she’s an especially wonderful friend.  Her receptionist also has become a great friend over the many years. Her smiling face and positive attitude is so necessary when dealing with people in pain.  They both laugh at my jokes and stories, and we all know I love a great audience.

It was like coming home – a reunion of sorts, as we hugged and exchanged stories.  I happen to be blessed with those who take care of my physical needs, but have also become special people in my life.  I’ve also been lucky to have a physician that doesn’t push for unnecessary testing and really listens to me.

My chiropractor treated many dancers and other performers in her early career.  She is caring, compassionate and from what I hear, might even pack a good punch, if necessary.  She’s shared stories about her family and I almost feel like I’ve come to know them through those visits.  Together we’ve become connected over the years.

I know she reads my blog so I’d like to take this opportunity to thank her for over 25 years of friendship, pushing, punching, stretching and manipulating muscle and sinew, along with cracking, rearranging and setting me straight.  There aren’t many people in my life who can do that as well.

 

 

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