I BELIEVE IN MIRACLES

Posted on August 20, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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“Miracles are a retelling in small letters of the very same story which is written across the whole world in letters too large for some of us to see.
C. S. Lewis

The word, “MIRACLE” has a few definitions, but most often is referred to as  an extraordinary event manifesting divine intervention in human affairs.  For those who don’t believe in God, I wonder how they explain impossible situations being resolved through extraordinary events.  For example, how do they perceive the birth of a child, other than to say it is a result of science or biology?  How do they define the intricate workings of that new life? How do they explain the operation of a wondrous nervous system, an extraordinary vascular system, organs that function with perfect synchronization?

Life itself is a miracle, from the smallest organism to the largest animal.  Creation was the first miracle as recorded in the book of Genesis.  God spoke of it in the book of Job, Chapter 38 when he graphically declared how he made all things.  In language only God could use, His description of His work is astounding.  I’m almost certain that everyone alive today has experienced some sort of extraordinary event in their life that can only be described as a miracle.  Many will deny God’s intervention, but I believe that without Him, there would be none.

This week I’m going to talk about miracles in my life.  I’d love to hear some of the amazing experiences you’ve gone through.  Sometimes we have to search our memory.  Sometimes we have to look really hard to find anything that even slightly resembles a miracle.  Sometimes, if our hearts are hardened to God’s presence in our lives, we will never see them.  Most of the time, they’re woven into the fabric of our lives so tightly, that they become unseen or forgotten.  Being able to remember and expect miracles is critical to our relationship with God.  If we look hard enough, we will find them in the most unusual places.

I am convinced that miracles occur every day.  They may not be magnificent displays, like turning water into wine or walking on water, but they definitely will have an affect on your life.  Search your memory.  Write down the most miraculous things that have happened to you so far – things that have changed your life and your relationship with God.  Sometimes we have to see things in the written word to believe them.  God’s Word is like that.  It’s not just a book, but God’s voice to us, written by inspired men just like you and me.  It’s a great place to start seeing the miracles that occur in every day living.

Join me in this search.  We often evade miracles in the modern world, but I believe they still happen.  We just have to look for them.

 

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I WON’T GROW UP

Posted on August 19, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

52df7dfc829cf7c654e6046fdb251b54Wouldn’t it be wonderful if we didn’t have to grow up – if we didn’t have to go to school – if we could do whatever we want without following the rules? In John Barrie’s, “Peter Pan” the author created a place where children remained children forever and responsibility was an unnecessary commodity.

I like to think of myself as a forever child and hope that I continue to have a heart of a youngster until I die. The truth is that we do have responsibilities and they become more apparent as we grow into adults.  I’ve accepted that fact, but as my body grows old and the pain of aging rears its ugly head, I long for the carefree days of youth.  I’d love to step out of this aging carcass and become a child again -but then I’d have to go through childhood, adolescence, middle age, menopause and golden years all over again.  I’m not ready for that. 

Jesus especially loved talking to children and used them to demonstrate the way our faith should be. Their faith is built on trust that’s been developed over time, but they are eager to believe what we tell them.  They’re like sponges soaking up all they can. Children don’t usually start to question what they’re taught until they grow up and other ideas creep into their heads.

Faith according to the Bible is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. God, may I continue to have the faith of a child, but continue growing old, knowing that heaven is waiting for me.

 

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SATURDAY THOUGHTS

Posted on August 18, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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In a world confused about morality, conscience and sin, we’re faced with a real dilemma.  The evil of this world has slowly deteriorated to the point of obliterating the truth of God.  Our inability to accept the word “sin” has been wiped out of our dictionary over time.  Thus we’ve lost our need for someone to rescue us.

To most of our population, God is no longer in the equation.  He’s taken a back seat to fake news  – desire for others to fail – a dog eat dog philosophy in life and business – social networks that spew hatred and bullying of those who are not up to our standards – get rich quick schemes – stepping on others to reach your goals.

When Jesus crushed and defeated Satan, the devil began the fight of his life.  He was  allowed to roam the earth like a lion on the prowl.  He’s lured folks in with promises that can’t possibly be kept.  He turns evil into good, love into hate and he’s polluted the world with every kind of evil.  In the past 50 years alone, our own United States, have become oblivious to sin.  Everything mankind has ever been tempted with is being presented in new ways – aka the internet.

Don’t get me wrong. I feel the internet is the dawn of a new era.  We have instant communication, news, information of all kinds at our fingertips. It’s an amazing tool.  As with any tools, if we use it for good it can change hearts.  On the other hand, it can ruin reputations, create fake news, fill empty minds with lustful desires.  The crooks have also found ways to intercept our information to destroy credit ratings, spread rumors about us, and share false information to a dysfunctional audience.

Things have virtually turned upside down.  The good guys are now perceived as the enemy.  Those turned to for counseling often abuse rather than help.  The laws are just suggestions and aren’t enforced.  Anyone choosing to run for political office has been set up for all kinds of scrutiny.  We become suspicious, complacent, and voiceless when these things happen, because we feel we aren’t going to be heard anyway.

We’re expected to accept all kinds of behavior for the sake of “getting along.” What we used to say no to, is now acceptable.  Our religious thoughts are being silenced  by public opinion.  Maybe this is why churches are suffering today.

Our world is in a terrible state of confusion – which is one of the signs we can expect to see during the last times.  With that in mind, we need to get ready.  There’s still time to prepare.  All you need do is believe that you have been purchased at a great price, by the Son of God.  He loves us so much that He died for us.

When we remain in our sin and don’t repent we are being inactive in our faith.  God doesn’t want us to be apathetic.  We have a voice against the evil of this world, but we often fail to speak.  We can stand up for those being bullied or abused, but we don’t want to get involved.  There are so many ways to fight this malady, but first we need to acknowledge that we’re sinners in need of a Savior.

“I’m in no way suggesting that my opinion matters more than anyone else’s, of course, but the only thing that bothers me is apathy. People that sit out of the process and complain about it, or pretend that politics isn’t a part of their everyday lives.”             Olivia Wilde

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SUMMER NIGHTS

Posted on August 18, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

What happened to days of our untethered youth,

When what was required depended on truth?

When worries were few and troubles unknown,

What happened from then to the life I have sown?

 

Our days filled with moments both carefree and fun,

Too quickly we find nothing under the sun,

Will satisfy fully or give us true peace,

We watch as our hope and delight now decrease.

 

Time passes in torrents. In storms it does fly,

Our laughter we mourn and often we cry,

Our tears fill up rivers, our moans sear the air,

Hearts often give up and give way to despair.

 

We come to our God with bruises and scars,

Of bludgeoning wounds which surpass all the stars,

It’s then God completes the work that He’s done,

Our youth then returns as the victory is won.

 

We come to Him broken and clinging to life,

We come when we no longer can bear the strife,

At last we let go and let God do His best.

Through Him in our place, we can pass every test.

 

He gives us new life even though we are old,

Our time weathered bodies completely unfold,

Into perfectly formed and beautifully made,

He washes with blood for my sins He has paid.

 

Our new life comes quickly. The old passes by,

And we become new on the day that we die,

The breath comes from heaven and God’s only Son,

Old bodies renewed, His work is now done.

 

 

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TO SLEEP PERCHANCE TO ….

Posted on August 17, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.”      Harriet Tubman

Once I dreamt I went in for surgery and came out with tattoos all over my body.  Mind you, I have never been nor will I ever be tattooed, but the dream seemed so real.  Imagine, if you will, a tattooed 75 year old woman.  It did wonders for my wrinkles.  You couldn’t see one of them.

Do you ever wonder where  dreams come from?  Many of mine have turned into plays or short stories.  I wouldn’t be surprised if Lewis Carroll or C. S. Lewis didn’t have a dream or two before creating their works of fiction.  They can be the greatest starting point for many stories.  Our brains are remarkable organs, which haven’t yet been completely tapped, understood, or used to their fullest extent.

Once I dreamt we adopted a buffalo and brought him home to take the place of our dog.  We bought a truck full of Buffalo Chow, made a bed for him in the laundry room and taught him to catch a Frisbee, to sit and stay and give you a high five. This turned into a story about just that thing, called “A Home Where the Buffalo Roams.”

I’m certainly not a visionary nor a prophet, but it would be fun to be able to interpret some of them.  I’ve never smoked pot or done any+ hallucinatory drugs.  I’ve had a glass or two of wine, but that doesn’t usually create dreams.  It just puts me to sleep.

Some believe that dreams can be a form of release – something we would never do in reality becomes perfectly normal when we sleep.  Others try to make something of those dreams – to analyze them or turn them into truth.  Maybe God is even speaking to us through our dreams, guiding us to make the right decision when we’re faced with one.  I’ve tried to record some of mine, but often forget them as soon as I awaken.  I should have a notepad right next to my bed so I can keep track of them for future use.  They could become best sellers – short stories – plays and even good reason to have you put away for a very long time.

Sigmund Freud had a lot to say about dreams.  His theory is that that dreams are an expression of a repressed wish that we would rather not admit to.  This would lead to conflict within the psyche. He also stated that dreams perform important functions and serve as valuable clues to how the unconscious mind operates.   Maybe studies should be done on this area of our brain.  It might well lead to reasons for the way we are.  It could also help to treat mental illness, which is so prevalent today.

I think our dreams are meant to entertain us when we’re sleeping.  I also think they’re a compilation of things we want to accomplish.  They can be the setting a goal and fulfilling it.  Since this is a definite part of who we are, I’d be interested to know what you think.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on August 17, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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A SUMMER PLACE

Posted on August 16, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

The edge of a bluff lined river – a glassy reflection glistens and bounces onto a hill.  The light touches the edges of trees and buildings in the distance, creating patterns dancing from one place to another .  The deep crevices fill with darkness.  The sky is magnificently dotted with wispy clouds interlaced with mauve, crimson and blue.  A path of towering pines shades the heat of the sun,

Looking out at the beauty of God’s perfect creation,

Breathing in the sweet, fresh air,

Hearing the sounds of rushing water,

And birds singing their little hearts out,

Fills your heart with contentment.

This little morsel of peace is just a speck in the scheme of things.  How long we’ve waited for the glory of these summer days.  They are so few and fleeting.  Soon the leaves will turn to red and gold and then fall.  Like our lives. We wither and die.

The moments of joy we experience on this planet are nothing compared to what waits for us after the winter of our dying breath.  Once again spring returns and we’re blessed with new life when we know God.  The glory never ends.

 

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UNITED IN CHRIST

Posted on August 15, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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There’s been division of races, ethnicity, social class, political views and even in our religious beliefs throughout history.  Looking back before our founding, the Native American was looked upon as a savage by the early explorers.  These foreigners may have said they were there to convert them to Christianity, but more likely their greed overtook them and they plundered and ravaged this noble race until they had nothing.

The slave trade was well underway in the 1400s and we all know the horrors of the abuse and humiliation this race suffered. They helped build a strong industrial nation for their white counterparts and fought alongside them in war after war to preserve the rights of the constitution.

After Pearl Harbor, nearly 120,000 Japanese Americans were sent to internment camps simply because of their race and heritage.  Nearly 60% were already United States citizens who had built thriving businesses.

These are all ugly reminders of the disgrace faced by every American.  The sins of the fathers seem to continue well beyond the third and fourth generations.  Wouldn’t it be great if we could just wash away all that prejudice and hate? Our consciences could finally feel free from blame – even though we were not personally responsible for the injustice.

God doesn’t look at individuals in this way.  Each life that He creates is important – whether they are black, red, yellow, white – He made us and knew what we would be long before we were a glint in our father’s eye.  He loves each one of us the same.

When we become part of His family, through Jesus, we are set free from the bondage of this world.  Those ugly sins of the past have been washed away and we’re forgiven.  Therefore we have become a new creation.  We are united not only in our beliefs, but in our love for one another.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on August 10, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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WE ARE THE BRANCHES

Posted on August 9, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Clumps of luscious fruit abounding, sweetness surging through each orb,

Gaining life from vines astounding, sending lifeblood to absorb,

Grounded in strong roots from heaven, ripened by the morning sun,

Pure refreshment from God given, poured through His own precious Son,

We in turn should share that blessing, with those needing hope and love,

Those who long for God’s caressing, when their push has turned to shove,

He will give them life eternal, as the vine gives to the fruit,

Wash away their sins internal, perfect judgment execute,

Heaven awaits with open doors, death no more will hurt or sting,

Forever God’s mercy endures, Salvation for all He brings.

 

 

 

 

 

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EGG DROP CHALLENGE

Posted on August 9, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Almost everyone has heard of the “egg drop experiment. This simple test allows the student to construct a container that protects a raw egg from cracking as it’s dropped from a certain height.  What is the actual purpose of this? I guess it’s to get students thinking about creativity through engineering.

The obvious effect from dropping an egg from any height would be for it to break. Figuring out how to protect it is the engineering process that takes place. If you were that egg how would you feel about the experiment? Would you have total trust in the one who was conducting it? Most likely you wouldn’t.

We are often like those eggs, forgetting that we have someone we can count on for protection on a daily basis. There are times when we think we can control our own destiny and don’t need anyone’s help, but being part of God’s family gives more protection than a few soft cotton balls or plastic bubble wrap. His love, power and wisdom wrap us in a much stronger armor. We also have the support of others like us, who have gone through similar breaks along the way. 

Lord, never let me forget the suit of armor you’ve made for me.  It protects me from the arrows of Satan and his minions.  It covers me with your love and safety.  I am confident knowing that you will always hold me in your loving arms. Amen!

A MIGHTY FORTRESS IS OUR GOD!

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SEARCHING FOR THE OBVIOUS

Posted on August 7, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

Several years ago, when the circus came to town, I was hired as a dialect coach.  The fabulous Cirque Du Soleil had come to Minneapolis.  You may wonder why they’d need a dialect coach.  This circus is known for its amazing acrobatics and colorful characters – all artists in their own right – yet most of the time, any vocal interaction is simply piped via the sound system.

I soon discovered they were going to have a plant in the audience, who needed to appear like a local guy.  This person would be called on stage to become one of the clowns. My job was to make this fellow sound like he was a Minnesotan – not a true Minnesotan, who says things like ooooh, yah, you betchya and don’t ya know – but one who lived and worked in the community.  The interesting part began when I arrived for the first session.

The smell of greasepaint permeated the grounds.  Physically fit performers practiced their craft.  Some sat in the cafeteria tent while others juggled, tossed their partners in the air or bent their agile bodies into impossible positions.  I was led to a trailer by one of the executives.  He explained that I’d be working with a young man from Argentina who had both Spanish and Canadian accents.  How on earth could I make this happen in a few short weeks?

Day after day we’d meet, work on enunciation, diction, vocal exercises and nothing seemed to happen.   We finally eliminate the Spanish sound, but there was still a nasal quality to his speech. During rehearsals he’d start out fine, but as he progressed that nasal sound crept back in..

My student ascended the stage with two clowns. He played the part of a reluctant participant well.  Then they put a spongy, red nose on him and his nasally sounding voice returned.  The solution was simple – move the nose up higher so it wouldn’t close his nostrils.

Sometimes we overlook the obvious.  We think we’re doing everything right. We follow the rules, we don’t get in trouble, we think we’ve got our lives figured out and then something unexpected happens and we cave.  The key word in that scenario is “WE.”  We have become so used to solving our own problems, fixing things and coming up with solutions that we forget to do the obvious – pray.

God invites us to come to Him for rest – to lay our troubles on His back – to trust in His intervention in our lives.  All the obstacles we face, are easily solved by the One True God.  It sounds too easy.  We feel the need to be engaged.  We think we can do it by ourselves.  God doesn’t want us to suffer.  He is right there waiting to help.  Look for the obvious solution when life gets tough. Turn to the One who can fix anything.

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IN SEARCH OF PEACE

Posted on August 5, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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God set this day aside for a day of rest.  He had a pretty busy week prior to the final day of creating the world, the universe, every living thing.  He established night and day and placed all the stars, planets and constellations in the heavens.  He divided the land from the sea and carved majestic landscapes, gardens and flourishing plant life within them.  Then He created man in His own image and gave him a lifetime companion from the man’s rib.

For most of us, we’re lucky to get through a 40 hour work week, take care of household duties, make meals and spend time with family.  We often complain when we have to put in overtime hours.  Some of us can’t stay awake much past nine o’clock.  When Sunday’s roll around, we’re ready for some rest.

If you really want to find some quiet time – a time to connect with the King of creation – spend an hour or so in His house.  He’s waiting for you in His holy sacraments.  He speaks to you through the Bible.  The beautiful music, the glorious sanctuary, all the trappings of a church enhance the experience, but the truth is this is a time reserved just for you to be with God.

Why not try it?  Once you make up your mind to give God that early Sunday morning time, you will find true rest.  The coming week will take on new meaning.  You can face it with the confidence that God lives in you, through His Holy Spirit.

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LOVE RE-TOLD

Posted on August 4, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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In Nicholas Sparks’ book, “The Notebook,” a poignant love story unfolds.  It’s the same type of story that filled our hearts with tears when the movie, “Love Story,” came on the screen.  Both of these tales, fill us with a mixture of sadness, passion, love, joy, overcoming the odds and finally death.

Kind of the recipe for life, I guess.  We’re born, we grow, we have relationships, we find out who we are and where we’re going, we fall in love, we overcome obstacles, sometimes we don’t, we live until there are only memories and then we die.  The common thread in life is where we’re going and how we’re going to get there.  For most, it will include a trail of tears, a ton of laughter, goal setting, failure, facing fear, building a future and living it.  At the end, there’s only death. Then what?

Life is full of challenges.  Some have more than others.  How we face those obstacles will determine what happens when our life on earth ends.  We can depend on ourselves, our intellect, our savvy or pizazz.  We can find a partner whom we can trust completely.  We can become part of a large organization where we can shine and make a name for ourselves.  We might achieve some level of success in business, the arts, politics, sports or in the everyday jobs that run our nation.  We could become famous.  We might reach the top of the ladder only to fall suddenly to the bottom rung.

In the end we all die.  It’s a fact known to every human being.  Life is a temporary thing.  Even the most illustrious individuals will die.  Some will be remembered for their deeds, their inventions, their escapades or their notoriety, but soon that memory will also fade or be replaced by new ones.

When we place our trust in things of this world, we’re clinging to something that soon loses purpose.  We need the assurance that death isn’t the end of things.  For those who trust in God, it’s only the beginning.  When the final page is turned, we can be confident of eternal life – a life without disease or pain – void of hatred and fear – one filled with peace, purpose, love and perfection.  I’d say that’s the greatest love story ever.

 

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BECOMING YOUR PARENT’S PARENT

Posted on August 3, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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The parenting role never changes. Once you become one, you are one for life. As your children grow and start new lives, they may be gone, but not forgotten. Their safety, their freedom from problems and worry, their joys and sorrows still remain a part of you. Sometimes, as we age, we become more of a part of them than they wish us to be.

Both my husband’s mother and mine needed a place to live for a while in their aging years.  Each was alone – somewhat helpless – unable to care for themselves.  They weren’t ready for a nursing home, but each had their own special issues to deal with and they were not to be dealt with alone.

It’s not easy to become your parent’s parent. For one thing, it’s like raising another child and the parent you remembered when you were a child is not the same. Now you’re doing the reprimanding; the encouraging; the guiding. When the time comes, I know that my family will handle our aging with some frustration as well as joy.

My husband’s mother lost her husband at the age of 56 and she was left with the care of her mother in law, along with dissolving a funeral business her husband and brother had established many years before.  The entire process was extremely stressful, and this sweet lady, who had always exhibited some unusual behavior, now became entangled in her mental disease.  She was diagnosed as psychotic schizophrenic and began a heavy dosage of medication to control it.  We moved her into our home when our kids were teens.  It was difficult for everyone involved.  As I look back, I could almost feel myself going through a similar situation if I was in her place. She lived with us for a year and eventually moved to a nursing home, where she thrived until her death.

My mother was living in Florida – alone after losing her second husband to death.  She seemed to be doing well, but the fact was she was slowly becoming addicted to prescription drugs.  In doing so, this normally vibrant woman became a shadow of herself and spent most of her time in bed.  My sister packed up all mom’s belongings, sold her car, and paid all her expenses for moving to Minneapolis to live with us.  At that point, we were without any children in the nest and it was the perfect place for her to recover (go through withdrawal.) While going through this she told my husband he needed to move out.  She told me that I was an irresponsible daughter who was depriving her of her freedom.  Eventually, she overcame her dependence on opioids and started to live again – enjoying her great grandchildren, grandchildren and us.  One year later she was able to live independently again until she passed away.

Times change, but allegiance to our parents doesn’t. When things like this happen, we step up to the plate when we can and give back some of what was given to us as children.  Being your parent’s parent isn’t easy, but with God’s help, it can be done.

The older we get, the more we resist change, but I’m certain that will be the case until we die. One thing we can count on to always be the same is our God.  His consistency will get us through all things.

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on August 3, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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FLYING PENGUINS

Posted on August 2, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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“Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”
― Leonardo da Vinci

I think man has always had an inner desire to fly – to catch the wind under our wings and soar to places unknown. Tonight, the Penguin Project for special needs children will have a chance to do just that. For months now, they’ve been working hard, alongside their mentors, to produce their rendition of “Annie, Jr.” The show contains the songs from the Broadway musical. They’ve practiced choreography to go along with the music. They’ve memorized lines. They’ve learned how to apply makeup. They’ve struggled through the difficulties of tech week – with something new being added each day – like lights, sound, microphones and costume changes. Putting the whole thing together will be realized tonight as they appear before an audience. For those who have gone through tech week, we know how frustrating and difficult that can be. We also know the magic that occurs when you’re face to face with an audience.

All of these kids have been more than amazing during this process. The mentors have given up their summer activities to share their time and talent with those who have never been on stage before. The Penguins are stretching heights they never thought possible to reach. This totally new experience has been great for both mentor and Penguin as they’ve grown together as friends and bonded as co-workers.

Putting on a play requires more than a garage, a few sheets and a lemonade stand. “Let’s put on a show,” is one of those things kids do when they’re growing up. It’s one of the purest forms of expression. It gives the actor a chance to shine, show what they’ve learned, build their self confidence and step outside their boxes. They’re called Penguins for a reason. Penguins, like all of us, can’t fly, but when they’re shown how, they can certainly reach heights unknown.

Good luck and God’s blessings on these kids as they set foot on the stage tonight. It’s been a wonderful journey watching them succeed.

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BREATH OF GOD

Posted on August 2, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Fourth in a series of plein aire paintings, painted on window shades.  This one depicts wind.

Life is but a whisper in the scheme of things,

We take our first inhalation of air and begin a journey,

So far we’ve been safely enshrouded within our mother’s womb –

Protected from the elements, encased in a familiar space all our own.

We go through the motions of living day by day – learning, trying,

Building, creating,

Thinking, working,

Striving, winning, losing, dreaming,

Each day passes slowly at first as we wait endlessly,

To pass through those early years,

When we finally get there,

The days begin to proceed at a much faster pace.

Still we push forward,

Sometimes gasping for air,

Sometimes choking on it,

And rarely taking time to enjoy the moment,

When we reach the final act, time has no bearing at all,

It speeds by like the wind and carries us to our final destination,

We rest in the safety of our Savior’s arms,

Secure in the knowledge that we are loved,

Feeling the glory of His loving touch.

Come, Lord, Jesus – come quickly!

Posted in art, Christian Poetry, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

FILLED WITH GOLD

Posted on August 1, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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When we mend something with gold, we’re not only solidifying the base, we’re holding true to the importance of the damaged item.  Such is as it is when you grow old.

I’m in a point in my life where six month checkups are the norm.  I used to think it was so the medical profession could reach into your pockets for one more appointment charge, but I now realize that us elderly survivors need to be examined more often.  The process of aging makes things fall apart at a faster rate.  Within six months, your mind can play all sorts of tricks on you.  You start thinking that a particular pain indicates cancer.  You see your friends dying around you and you believe you’re next.  You really need reassurance that you’re going to make it for the next six months.

I think we live in a society that looks at aging as the final act of life.  Once you’ve achieved success in whatever you chose to do with your life, it’s time to sit back and enjoy yourself.  Most folks are living well into their 80s and 90s and still have it all together, but things happen to us.

We don’t look the same.  Our bodies are sagging in all the wrong places.  Our hair is turning colorless and thin.  Our teeth are not our own.  What we have grown to expect as high energy has deflated into forcing yourself to move.  We watch commercials that promise to take away under eye bags and suck the fat out of bodies and realize we’d need more than a truckload of those things to cover every imperfection.

We’re not as quick on the draw as we once were.  We need a little more time to formulate our ideas, come up with solutions or put a plan into action, but we’re still capable of doing so.  When we’re in the growing up stage of life, we look at every advancement as a success.  When we’re in the aging stage, we don’t garner much applause for our accomplishments.  Were often taken for granted or deemed useless.

As long as these six month check ups reveal that I’m still within the normal range on all my blood work – my blood pressure is right where it should be – my asthma is under control – I should be good for another six months.  By then I will have either thought of many more things that are bothering me or I will be filled with gold.  Knowing what God has in store, makes me confident of the latter.

 

Posted in aging, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

TUPPERWARE LADY

Posted on July 31, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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I was a Tupperware lady.  In fact I became a manager of my own unit of salespeople, which gave me use of a company car.  I became one of these “party” girls early in our marriage. Our children still needed daddy time at night and it was a source of extra income for us.  It also gave me a reason to party several times a week.

In those days, Tupperware was sold on the party plan.  Salespeople would take their wares into people’s homes and show them how to use it correctly, getting the most out of the product.  I sold a lot of plastic.  I’d talk about the necessity of storing food in airtight containers, preventing bug infestation and organizing cupboards.  After talking about how many spices should be thrown out shortly after opening, I knew I had them.  I know I must have sold at least 5 sets of seasoning containers at each party.

There was one time, as I was traveling to one of these events, that my old Monte Carlo broke down.  I was in the middle of a bridge when it happened.  Smoke spewed from under the hood and my only choice was to pull over.  This was before cell phones, texting or any of that technology stuff.  I had no way of calling for help.

A kind man eventually stopped and pushed my car to a safer spot. He then offered to take me to where I was going – which was only a few miles away.  Without hesitation, I agreed.  I stuffed my huge Tupperware bag into the back seat of his car and we proceeded to the party.  On the way, he offered to sell me some frozen meat, which he had in his trunk.  Of course, I wasn’t in a position to buy anything at that moment, so I suggested some containers which might work well for keeping the meat fresh.

Every time I think of that truthful story, I wonder how I could’ve been so trusting of a complete stranger.  Was I so naïve to think he was just a good Samaritan?  Didn’t I know about serial killers?  Was I in such a hurry to make a buck, I threw all caution to the wind?  I would answer yes to all of these questions.  As usual, my guardian angel was watching over me all the way.

I made it safely to my site – completed my demonstration – received several orders for seasoning containers – called my husband to come to my aid and a tow truck to pick up my car.  I’m not sure how much money I made that night, but it left me with a story I’ll never forget.

 

Posted in Humor, Uncategorized | Tagged , , | 16 Comments