OPPOSITE DAY

Posted on January 25, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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I love checking out the weird and wacky holidays  listed on the internet.  It seems I can always find a story in this useless information.  I know, I have to find something else to occupy my time, right?  Anyway, today is Opposite Day – a day probably invented by kids, because everything we say or do is the opposite of all that.

In other words, I am really Batman.  Actually I’m Batman’s grandmother, but for today, I’m Batman.  I also love spinach and oysters.  I’m not afraid to walk the plank.  I’m living on the edge every moment of my life and I have the energy of ten thousand monkeys.  In addition to that, I can leap tall buildings in a single bound.  I’ve been known to fend of an army of giant ants.  I’m willing to walk down the Nicollet Mall wearing a cheese head and Green Bay Packer sweatshirt.

You get the picture.  Where do people come up with these silly holidays?  It must be a very creative mind, sitting in an igloo in Siberia with nothing else to do.  I imagine his name is Peggy and he also serves as a customer service rep for a credit card company.  Peggy has a crew of penguins who serve has his back up team and the go from igloo to igloo delivering hot pizzas.

I’m all for creativity.  I’m a writer – or so I think I am.  Actually I’m the King of France.

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WHAT WE LEAVE BEHIND

Posted on January 25, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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“We make a living by what we get.  We make a life by what we give.”                   Winston Churchill

What is your legacy?  Do you have a great fortune to leave your children?  Will you be thought well of when you die? What will you be remembered for?  Have you accomplished great things in your life?  Did you make an impact on others by your good deeds?  Were you always thinking of others and putting them first?  Be honest now.  When that final day of judgment comes, what is your defense going to be?

Will you stand before the throne of God and say, “I deserve to go to heaven because I led a good life.” or “I thought of others and gave to charities when I had the money to do so.  Doesn’t that count for something?” The day of reckoning is coming soon.  Are we prepared for that day?

In Matthew 25, Jesus talks about that day and how to prepare for it.  His parable of the ten virgins showed the importance of being ready for the coming of the bridegroom.  The parable of the talents talks about using the master’s talents with wisdom.  He wraps it up by talking about the king who bases judgment on what his servants did for others without even knowing it.  Our deeds are a small part of our Christian walk, because they are result of what Christ has done for us.  We do for others, in gratitude for the blessings given us through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

When the sheep and goats are separated on that final day, God will make His  judgment based not on what we’ve accomplished – not our good deeds – not our charity towards others – not our pure hearts or minds – but on the price paid for our ransom.  That price was the holy precious blood of His only begotten Son.  This was God’s plan from the beginning.  His love endures forever and when we learn to trust in Him for everything, He gives us the gift of eternal life.  He will also make our life here on earth a blessing to others.  In the end, God wins and so do we.

 

 

 

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WINTER FUNNIES

Posted on January 25, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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It’s tough living in the Midwest in the winter, but I sure wouldn’t to be close to all the back and forth in Washington, DC at this time of year either.

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WHAT GOOD DOES IT DO TO WORRY?

Posted on January 24, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

My maternal grandmother was the strongest woman I’ve ever known.  She had to bury five of her children, care for her husband who suffered two debilitating strokes and finally put him in the ground as well.  She always maintained a positive attitude even though her heart was breaking.

She grew up on the plains of Montana in a typical pioneering family.  They used buffalo chips to get a fire started, washed their clothes in a nearby stream, cut wood and worked hard for everything they had. Eventually she married a farmer, who hated farming.  Instead he would hire others to tend to the land and cows as he worked for the power company constructing lines that would carry electricity to the rural communities.  She never complained about having to feed seven children and a group of farm hands.  She’d rise at the crack of dawn, punch down and knead the bread dough for the noon meal, and set it into pans for baking.  She’d then head for the barn to milk the cows.

Her hair was as white as snow.  I think it must’ve turned white early in her life.  Grandma braided it each morning and tied it on top of her head.  Her eyes were as blue as the sky and her face looked like a road map, with deeply weathered skin. In spite of all the trials in her life, she kept that pioneer spirit of perseverance.

I’ve been told by my husband that I worry too much.  I often look ahead and wonder how we’ll be able to pay the bills each month.  I fret over aches and pains that send my mind into a tizzy – thinking I may be suffering from a terminal disease.  I worry that my kids are alright (even though they’re all grown and have families of their own.)  I often find myself insecure and lacking self confidence – even though I’ve spent a lifetime encouraging others to be courageous.

Worry is really a waste of energy and time.  The things we worry about, we have no control over.  Looking back at the things that have caused me the most angst in my life, proves to me that I wasn’t in charge of any of it.  God has always been there to lift me when I’ve fallen.  He’s given me courage I didn’t know I had.  He’s provided for every need throughout my life, even when I didn’t know if we’d have enough to get by for the days ahead.

When I became an adult, I asked my grandma what kept her going through all her difficulties.  She told me she never really thought about it, she just did it.  God gave her the necessary strength to survive through trial after trial.  She also said when things got really bad, she would go out into the woods and just soak in God’s creation and thank Him for another day.

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

1Thessolians 5:16-18

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WINTER FUNNIES

Posted on January 24, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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AGING STUBBORNLY

Posted on January 23, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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Maggie Kuhn became a woman to be reckoned with when she was forced to leave her job at the age of 65.  Because of that and the deplorable conditions of nursing homes at the time, she formed the Gray Panthers movement. In 1970 it was mandatory to retire at the age of 65.  She also was caring for her own disabled mother and a brother who suffered from mental illness.

She became an activist not only for the aging in America, but also for young people, stating that both ends of the spectrum were a resource that had gone untapped for generations  The Gray Panthers took on other issues as well.

Maggie had a great outlook on the value of growing old.  I agree with her philosophy for the most part.  I do believe that the elderly (65 and over) have a very useful place in society.  We don’t need to be condemned to a recliner for the rest of our lives, eating chocolates and preparing for our funerals.  We still have much to offer.  Thankfully the mandatory retirement age has been lifted, but fewer jobs are available for us old fogies because we can’t physically do what we used to.  However, if we still possess our mental abilities, there’s no stopping us.  We can provide mountains of experience to the young generation – giving them tools for their futures and encouragement for the here and now.

If we have a passion for something, we have the means to provide that same passion to someone else.  When we reach that “actual” time of retirement, there are so many ways to keep living.  If we opt for the recliner and chocolates, we can be sure that the funeral will soon follow.  The minute we stop doing – is when we stop living.

When it came time for us to place my mother in law in a nursing home, it was heartbreaking, but she suffered from mental illness and this was the best thing for her.  Her new residence caused her to thrive and she went on to live there for several years.

My own mother died in a hospital bed, but time she spent with us for the last seven years of her life were full of an exemplary example for our children and grandchildren.  Those few years also served as a time of togetherness for her and me.

Now as my husband and I approach our 76th year of life, we could call it quits and give in to the stereotypical elderly couple – who has their share of accidents, some health issues and less energy than when we were 50.  On the other hand, we can still hold classes for others – teaching them the love of art and theater – doing our own housework, grocery shopping, write a blog or creating art every day.  We can even shovel five inches of snow off our driveway (AGAIN!)

Growing old doesn’t have to be a death sentence.  It’s all a matter of attitude.  Of course, it doesn’t hurt to lean on the One who carries all our burdens.

 

 

 

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LIFT ME UP!

Posted on January 23, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Life can be but a mere whisper or it can be a consuming fire.
The way we approach it will define who we are and where we’re going.
If we go through life without any focus,
If we don’t set goals or make wise decisions,
If we try to accomplish anything alone,

We are bound to stumble.
If we use each moment with purpose,
If we wake each day knowing that Jesus is our partner,
If we light the world with our enthusiasm,
We will turn that fire into a raging blaze.
Our spirit will soar on wings of eagles.
We will succeed in ways we never imagined.

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WINTER NOT SO FUNNIES

Posted on January 23, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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THE AGONY OF DEFEAT

Posted on January 22, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

26992769_2102386409991894_1628764119925673958_nThere is no joy in Mudville … nor Minnesota … as our home team was brutally defeated by the Philadelphia Eagles last night.  Hopes we so high for the Vikings and their fans.  They had placed their faith in a group of men to finally play in the Super Bowl in their own new stadium in Minneapolis.  I have to admit, I was among those saddened by the loss.  After last week’s victory, the Minnesota Miracle faded into oblivion.

It’s good for us to set goals – to plan – to motivate – to encourage, but what happens when those dreams fall apart and are never realized?  It kind of reminds me of the fickle, ancient Romans, who would attend the games of their day and roar like the cacophonic crowds we see at our sporting events today.  They put so much stock in their heroes and quickly turned on them when they were defeated. It’s much the same today when our team loses. We feel humiliated, disappointed, let down, overcome and many even go into a state of depression over it.

Whenever we place our hopes in something other than the God of creation, we’re setting ourselves up for defeat.  God isn’t going to always give us wins.  Life just isn’t that way.  We often have to go through a lot of losses before we realize what we needed to learn from them.  Sometimes we never learn, but that doesn’t mean we should feel defeated.  Our enemy, the devil would like us to believe that winning is the most important thing in life.

Being a Christian doesn’t guarantee a smooth road for us either.  There will be potholes and detours.  We might even slip off the path from time to time.  We may lose control of the wheel or crash, but there’s always a light at the end of the tunnel.  Our hope is built on nothing less than Jesus blood and righteousness.

Great athletes, exceptional leaders, men and women of integrity, amazing teachers – will come and go.  We’ll face losses in this life, but we can be confident of a real win in the end.  When Jesus is the center of our game, we can’t lose.

1 Peter 1:13-16

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance, but as he who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”

 

 

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WINTER FUNNIES

Posted on January 22, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

'I never thought I'd say this, but I'm even getting sick and tired of winter.'

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A FORK IN THE ROAD

Posted on January 21, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

You walked the path of life for me – You suffered for my loss.

You sacrificed Your own dear Son, upon an ugly cross.

You did this for a worm like me, You gave to me your best

Now I can walk that road to You and in Your arms find rest.

I don’t deserve this precious gift.  I don’t deserve Your love.

I’ve spat upon this Son of Yours who came from Heaven above.

I’ve scorned Him as did men of old.  The scourge I laid on Him.

The nails that pinned Him to the tree, were placed there with my sin.

The story didn’t end that day.  It just began, you see.

For Jesus, Christ, the Son of God, returned to life for me.

The flesh that once was bruised and scorned and broken now is whole.

He conquered death – He rose again – He saved my dying soul.

 

 

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THE GOOD, BAD & UGLY

Posted on January 21, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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History wasn’t my strong suit in high school.  I was a pretty average student, but had a teacher that seemed to find it necessary to relive the Civil War on the top of his desk.  He would lead the various battles with his imaginary sword drawn and spew the general’s commands as he re-enacted each one.

As time goes by and my old mind has a history of its own, I find the subject to be much more interesting than I did then.  Programs shown on the American Heroes, History and public broadcasting channels pertaining to history are not only interesting, they are entertaining as well.

History is said to repeat itself and that we should learn from the mistakes of our ancestors.  I guess that’s true, but it doesn’t seem to be the case most of the time.  The same kind of things go on and on and on as the did in the ancient times.  God’s chosen people, Israel had one common flaw – they continuously turned to the gods of their captors and away from the only true God.  It didn’t seem to sink in.

We are much like this in our country.  We make the same mistakes over and over and don’t seem to learn from them.  We put our faith in transitory things – in temporary fixes – in people who make amazing promises – in property, prestige and power – in anything, but the one true God.

We must return to history – HIS STORY – for examples on how to live.  God has a plan for each of us.  It was designed and mapped out before our birth.  We don’t need to look back, because He has us in the palm of His hand.

JOB 8:8-10 “For inquire, please, of bygone ages,
    and consider what the fathers have searched out.
  For we are but of yesterday and know nothing,
    for our days on earth are a shadow.
   Will they not teach you and tell you
    and utter words out of their understanding?

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WINTER FUNNIES

Posted on January 21, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

Snowmen Newscast. 'The following footage of water puddles on front lawns may be disturbing to some viewers.'

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SKIPPING THROUGH LIFE

Posted on January 20, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

Skipping-Couple

This is not a picture of my husband and me, skipping along the beach, but I wish it was.  We still have the ability to do so, but I’m afraid we’d have to stretch out for a few days before trying.  I’ve often had the idea that we’re all just skipping through life.  Our time is so limited and we’re trying desperately to get everything packed into it before it’s over.  We’ve both fallen victim to some health issues, financial losses and emotional problems, but God has used those events to draw us closer to Him.

It’s fun to spin stones across a vast expanse of water.  The stone skips a few times and then sinks.  Sometimes they have a soft, smooth exterior – other times they’re rough and may even cut through skin.  Stones have been used to construct monuments, buildings, landscaping spaces and have been used for centuries as tools as well as finished products.

God was referred to as the Rock of Israel, in Gen. 49:24.  In the New Testament, believers are referred to as stones in 1 Peter 2:5.  God built his church on the cornerstone – Jesus, Christ, the Savior of all.  Jesus also talked about stones when he said, “Let him without sin cast the first stone.”

Today the headlines are full of people who’ve done heinous crimes and have become addicted to sin.  Their consciences have become numb and yet, so do ours.  Before we throw that first stone, let’s examine what’s going on in our hearts first.  By the grace of God we’re saved.  If we use that  as a ticket to do anything we want with our new freedom, it’s like throwing a stone in God’s face.  We continually need to repent and with God’s strength overcome temptation to sin again.

The world is filled with misery and ugliness, but there is also a good side to it.  So much has happened to advance technology – to make our lives easier and less complicated – to allow us to share God’s love with others, through the new technological age.  Often we have to search for the good, but there are stories of courage, selflessness, love and care for our fellow man.

Our final rest comes when we die and go to heaven – the crystal palace with unshakeable walls.  Until we reach that final destination, we should continue to skip – not walk, slump, or drag our feet.  God still has something for us to do.  Start by throwing a stone across some water, or just going for a simple run. In those quiet moments, God will reveal His will for our lives.  He will give you comfort in knowing that you still have purpose.

 

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WINTER FUNNIES

Posted on January 20, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

snowman-weight-loss

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JULIE’S FRIDAY FUNNY

Posted on January 19, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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WINTER FUNNIES

Posted on January 19, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

No 240 - The Thaw

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SATURDAY MOVIE ADVENTURES

Posted on January 18, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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I grew up in the 50s and spent almost every Saturday at the local movie theater, absorbing every kind of movie magic I could.  We’d spend less than a dollar for a whole day of entertainment and get a box of popcorn and drink to boot. Movies were on the cutting edge, with cinemascope – three dimensional glasses which were more like looking at unfocused green images – epic movies depicting incredible times in history, musicals, adventures and westerns.  There were also the episodic shows which would keep us coming back every week to see what happened next.  This was before there was a TV in every house and a long list of viewing options.

The theater was splendid. The seats were posh, even though sticky underneath with gum.  The floors caused you to cling to their adhesiveness.  There was an amazing crimson velvet curtain covering the stage.  Ornate statues and carvings filled the walls, making us feel like we were in a grand concert hall.  That didn’t deter the popcorn flinging, giggles and guffaws as kids vied for attention.

The magnificent curtain opened and all fell silent.  The enormous white screen came to life as animated cartoons would begin the show.  Laughter ensued and really revved everyone up for the main feature.  Cowboys rode across magnificent plains on horses us city folk had only seen in books.  We were part of worldly adventures like the saga of Ben Hur and his bloody chariot ride, or Robin Hood and his merry band, or the science fiction characters – the Blob and the Creature from the Black Lagoon.  Eyes were riveted to romantic scenes, which left everything but a kiss to the imagination.  Then there were the musicals.

Musicals were my favorite.  It seems strange to have a story where people all of a sudden break into song in the middle of a scene, but that’s precisely what I loved about it.  Wouldn’t life be lovely if we could do that?  I mean right in the middle of a catastrophe, a disaster, a crime or tragedy we’d let the old vocal chords chime.

Well of course life doesn’t imitate the movies, although I think time has tarnished the idea of entertainment and turned it into an extension of life –  but that’s another post.  We used to go to the movies to escape from the cares of the world.  Now we’re witnesses to them.

In God’s Word, there’s a whole book of worship songs by David, Asaph and other musicians.  Solomon wrote the poetic Song of Songs.  Music is an important part of our worship as well as our lives.  Sometimes we can express ourselves through music in ways we can’t through normal conversation.  Think of how boring our lives would be without music.

“To stop the flow of music would be like the stopping of time itself, incredible and inconceivable.”  Aaron Copland

“Music is the voice that tells us that the human race is greater than it knows.”  Napoleon Bonaparte

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” Psalm 95:1

 

 

 

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WINTER FUNNIES

Posted on January 18, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

"Well, the good news is that Seasonal-Affective Disorder isn't typically terminal..."

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RENEWAL

Posted on January 17, 2018 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION FROM PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Root bound and parched,

Replenished only by the restorative,

Power of water,

Each tendril pushing,

Burrowing into the,

Coolness of life sustainment,

Lapping up,

Refreshing,

Renewing,

Thirst quenching,

Provision of God,

Our dried up bones long for the comfort,

That comes from the fountain of God,

Only He can renew, restore and revive,

Dead, thirsting souls,

Through His love we are nurtured,

Brought back to life and thrive,

And even when our days on earth are ended,

We are assured eternal life,

Where we will thirst no more.

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