CHARACTERS OF THE PASSION – SIMON, THE LEPER

Posted on March 22, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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There is a lot said in the Bible about Leprosy.  Today the disease is referred to as Hansen’s Disease and easily curable if caught soon enough.  The laws concerning Leprosy are laid out in the book of Leviticus 13.  The disease is thoroughly described in every minute detail along with the symptoms.  The leper would be considered unclean and forced to live alone outside of the city. Eventually they would form colonies of those who suffered the same ailment, but they were all excluded from being part of society.  Not only would he be banned physically, but also spiritually, because it was thought that some specific sin cause the disease.

Leprosy begins with sores on the skin.  It then moves into the respiratory system.  Eventually the disease would eat away at the skin and affect the nervous system, causing pain triggers to be deadened.   He would not be aware of any injuries, because he would not have the sensation of touch.  His body would at last rot away and become  disfigured.

Simon, the Leper, had undoubtedly been cured from his disease by Jesus.  When Jesus went to visit Lazarus, Mary and Martha it was at Simon’s home.  We don’t know if he was part of the family, but we do know he no longer suffered from Leprosy, because he was again living in his own house, back in society.  You can imagine the joy he experienced, not only by his healing, but having his Physician and Savior sitting at his table.

In those days, there was a stigma concerning Leprosy.  The beauty of this man’s healing included the cleansing of his body along with the forgiveness of all his sins.

That’s why Jesus planted Himself on this earth, became one of us, lived with us for a while, learned all about us and, in spite of our ugliness, He took our sin on His own shoulders. He carried that burden to the cross, suffered and died.  He was placed in a rich man’s tomb and on Easter morning, defeated death itself by returning to life.

Every sin, past, present and future has been cleansed from our souls, just as Jesus washed Simon clean of his Leprosy.  Sin no longer has dominion over any of us, if we believe that God did this miraculous deed so we wouldn’t have to.  With our cleansing we can also look forward to eternity in paradise.

ALL GLORY BE TO GOD ON HIGH!

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 21, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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MY LORD & KING

Posted on March 21, 2017 by atimetoshare.me


ORIGINAL WOOD CARVING BY PAUL BOECHER

POETRY  BY KATHY BOECHER

You are my Lord and King. Without you I am lost.
My praise to you I bring, for paying the great cost.
You died upon the cross to save a wretch like me.
You suffered pain and loss upon that dreadful tree,
You gave your life for me, and others who believe.
You died to set me free. Your truth I’ll never leave.
Help me to mirror you; to walk within your light;
To share all that you do – your power and your might.
You’ve given me your Word – a manual for my life.
With it I now have heard the answers for my strife.
Prepare my heart for you. Let me your servant be.
May everything I do reflect your love for me.

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MY ANNIVERSARY

Posted on March 20, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

I’ve just been reminded that this is my third year as a wordpress blogger❤️

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CHARACTERS OF THE PASSION – HEROD ANTIPAS

Posted on March 20, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Having come from a long line of sociopaths, Herod Antipas relished in the shock and awe of his domain.  The more outlandish the behavior, the better. Like his father, Herod, the Great, he was much a chip off the old block.  His dad was responsible for the death of the innocent babies at the time of Jesus’ birth.  It must’ve been a family trait, because Antipas lived a pretty shocking lifestyle himself.

He married twice. His first wife was Arabian, whom he eventually divorced. He then married Herodias, his own niece and the wife of his half-brother Philip, and persuaded her to leave her husband and to accompany him to Tiberias. In fact he lured her away from her husband and his relative.  When his first wife heard of this, she told her father of her disgrace and he waged war on Antipas. Eventually Herod divorced his first wife.

John, the Baptist condemned Herod for his infidelity and incest which sealed his eventual beheading.  Herodias was the one responsible for it because of her daughter’s demands, but Herod carried it out.  Herodias was a social climber and wanted her husband to achieve more than he did.  She was always interfering in his political dealings, pushing and driving his every move. She must have had tremendous influence over him.

Being the show man Herod was, he was intrigued by this man called Jesus and was anxious to see some of His miracles.  When he was called on to intercede in the crucifixion of Jesus, Herod jumped at the chance to get a look at this fellow.  Jesus knew that this was the man responsible for His cousin, John’s death.  He could’ve zapped Herod right there, but He said nothing.  Because Jesus remained silent.through Herod’s interrogation, He was sent back to Pilate because Herod didn’t want any part in the politics of this event.

Isn’t it amazing how God orchestrates everything to accomplish His plans for us.  Without these evil villains, there would have been no crucifixion, no death and no resurrection.  Of course, I’m sure God would’ve found another way to make it happen anyway, but it’s exciting to see how all these characters had such an important role in the carrying out of our salvation.

Oh, what a great God we have.  He’s given us the victory over death and has designed our life here on earth, according to His exquisite blueprint.

 

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 20, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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BE A CLOWN

Posted on March 20, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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

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

When I was a kid, I was known as the class clown – always making jokes – many times to simply get a laugh or make someone else happy – most of the time to cover up some sad feeling I was experiencing.  I, unlike most thinkers, believe that laughter is good for the soul.  It can help take your mind off your troubles even if only for a little while.  It can keep you from falling into the depths of despair when life is attacking from all sides.  It can maintain your sanity, even when the world closes in on you.

One of the heroes of my youth was Red Skelton.  Each week we’d gather around our 8″ television screen to watch this funny man do ridiculous things that made us laugh.  He also had a wonderful heart for humanity and the United States.

He started honing his entertainment skills when only a boy of ten, when he appeared in a medicine show.  He continued to work in show business for the rest of his life, working on a show boat, in burlesque, vaudeville, radio and movies and finally on television.  He was kind of a quirky fellow, who would never make it in today’s world, because his humor was more  slapstick and unsophisticated, but sometimes we need that kind of funny too.

When we’re suffering through depression – when we’ve lost someone dear to us in death – when we wonder if we have enough money to make it to the next payday if there is one – when we’ve suffered a relationship loss – those are exactly the times when we need to laugh.

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

When one of my grandsons was about three years old, we talked about what he wanted to do when he grew up.  His greatest aspiration at the time was to be a Wal Mart greeter – but  he thought his real job was to make people laugh.  Great choice in my opinion.  Maybe he’s a lot like his dear, old, granny.

 

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SOME DAYS JUST DON’T GO WELL

Posted on March 19, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Some days nothing goes right. You’re late for an appointment because you’re stuck in traffic. You left your cell phone charging at home, so can’t call to let them know. Your hair wouldn’t cooperate this morning and you look like a caricature of Albert Einstein. You are wearing two different shoes and suddenly realize that your sweater is inside out.

Actually all of these things have happened to me, but not at the same time. We get frustrated when things don’t go as planned. We feel sorry for ourselves and ask, “Why me?” God arranges things to happen in our lives for a reason – even the smallest things. For example – had you not been late, you might have been involved in the traffic accident that was slowing traffic.

Today, I’m having of those days.  I had every intention of going to church this morning, to participate in the Lord’s Supper, to sing beautiful hymns and share fellowship with other Christians, but my body had other plans for me.  I’ve been dealing with an upper respiratory issue for almost a month now and last night was up coughing for most of it.  I’m not alone in this malady as several others I know have been hanging on to colds for a long time too.

God is always faithful, even times of distress.  He lets us know when we need rest – when we should avoid crowds – when we should use common sense.  He isn’t going to chastise us for not attending church.  He doesn’t work that way.  God loves it when we come to worship in His house, but it isn’t a pre-requisite for our salvation.  His love for us doesn’t diminish.  His care for our physical, spiritual and mental condition goes on and on all the time – every second of every day.  Even when our faith grows weak, He provides ways to bring us into His presence.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 19, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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MY GRAMMAR DIDN’T DIE ON THE INTERNET.  SHE DIED IN HER BED.

 

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DEATH WITHOUT STING

Posted on March 18, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“To die: to sleep;
No more; and by a sleep to say we end
The heart-ache and the thousand natural shocks
That flesh is heir to, ’tis a consummation
Devoutly to be wish’d.”  William Shakespeare, “Hamlet”

Today we’re attending another funeral.  This makes the third one this year – one a month. I’m certain this won’t be the last one.  It seems to be a natural part of the aging process. It makes me wonder why some die so young and others suffer through much pain to finally fall into the slumber of eternal rest.  Why wasn’t it me? or  why did this young person have to die? He was just beginning his life. Death can seem so unfair – so incomprehensible – so final.

All those thoughts gnaw away at us who remain behind.  Death for the Christian isn’t like that.  When we can see joy on the face of a bereaved Christian – there is no sting.  When we can see hope and contentment through constant tears – there is no bite.  For those who know that life doesn’t end with death there is only victory.  Of course there will be pain because we naturally miss those who go before us.  Tears won’t stop because we believe in eternal life.  Those are human feelings and even our Savior, Jesus experienced grief.

We do, however, have peace in knowig that death isn’t final for those who believe that Jesus redeemed us and we are guaranteed a place in heaven because of that. Christ died to make that happen.  God in his infinite mercy made that happen.  The Holy Spirit is our Comforter and gives us the courage and confidence to move on.

Death is the result of sin.  Unfortunately “sin” is a word not being used much today.  No one likes to hear they are doomed to hell if they don’t repent and believe that Jesus has paid the price.  It has to do with taking responsibility for our actions – not an easy concept for many to understand, but when you know you need forgiveness for your actions and that Christ has willingly done that at no cost to you, death means eternal life.

We’ll say goodbye to another friend today, but we know we’ll see him again.  What confidence that thought gives to us and to those who knew this man. Death cannot restrain us anymore.  To live for us is Jesus – to die is gain for us.

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 18, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Actually don’t like the word nevermore very much.

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CHARACTERS FROM THE PASSION – BLIND BARTIMAEUS

Posted on March 18, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Blindness in Jesus’ lifetime was quite common.  Actually blindness was a contagious disease carried by flies and the only way to avoid catching it was to stay away from those afflicted with it.    The hot desert sun would close the water duct under the eyelid and the eyes would become red and swollen, resulting in blindness.  Because the blind were often considered unclean they had to earn their living by begging at the city gate.

Bartimaeus was one of those afflicted with blindness that sat on the roadside of Jericho when Jesus passed by.  The Jews had heard the prophesies of Isaiah which claimed that the Messiah would heal diseases like blindness, deafness, physical disabilities and relieve the suffering of the poor.  These words were echoed by Jesus, when answering John, the Baptist’s question about whether Jesus was the Messiah.

Poor Bartimaeus, had spent his life as an outcast.  He couldn’t possibly work.  He most likely felt useless and purposeless.  He couldn’t care for himself, had no friends, no livelihood, but somehow he gained hope when he heard that Jesus was near.  The thought of having his eyes opened by the Messiah, must’ve been enough for him to go to any lengths to get Jesus’ attention – and he did.  He screamed at the top of his lungs, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”

The crowd and possibly the disciples rebuked the blind man.  They thought he was making too much of a spectacle, but that didn’t stop him.  Again and again, he shouted, “Son of David, have mercy on me!”  He acknowledged that Jesus indeed was the promised Messiah.

At last, Jesus stopped walking and told the crowd to call the man.  Bartimaeus jumped to his feet, dropped his cloak and ran to Jesus.

“What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus asked him.

The blind man said, “Rabbi, I want to see.”

 “Go,” said Jesus, “your faith has healed you.” Immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus along the road.

The man was healed immediately. The healing was done by Jesus, because of the man’s faith.  How often do we become blind to the power of God’s healing in our lives?  Are we often like the crowd following Jesus, when we think that Jesus is too busy for us – that we aren’t worthy to ask for such things.  The blindness we exhibit in a case like this is even greater than the physical darkness Bartimaeus experienced.

Don’t ever be afraid to talk to your Savior.  He’s promised to hear our prayers.  He answers in His own way and on His timeline, but you can be confident that He will answer your .  His heart is so big and His arms open so wide, that we can resassured that He loves us beyond comprehension – even when we don’t return that love.  What a friend everyone has in Jesus.

 

 

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SOME DAYS ARE LIKE THAT …

Posted on March 17, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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When you come to the end of a day, do you ever wonder why you bothered to get up?  Nothing seems to go right.  If you’re a parent with young children, you are inundated with little people’s needs throughout the day.  You are on a constant mission to keep order in the house – food on the table or in the dish, for that matter.  You are battling  to lay down rules that have no apparent interest from the kiddos – who at this age could care less.

If you’re raising teenagers, you’re undoubtedly waiting for them to grow up and become independent, but are on the go most of the time carting them to various activities until they learn to drive – then you worry about how you will afford insurance and another vehicle, not to mention letting your child get into a possible weapon of mass destruction and take the wheel.

When your children are grown and gone, you wish you were still involved in their lives like you used to be, but are relieved not to have to wait up for them to get home at night or be available at their beckon call

When they begin to have families of their own, you begin to ache for the things they’re going through, remembering how tough it was.  In my opinion, child rearing is God’s way of preparing us for old age.  As we age, we become more dependent – like young children – we require more attention – our health becomes an every minute of our lives concern – we often lose memory, senses, common sense and, left to our own devices, we make many of the same mistakes we did as children.

For the average parents, parenting is more of a learn as you go process.  There is no manual which fits every child and every situation and the same is also true for us old fogeys.  So, in effect, life is a learn as you go process.  We make the same dumb mistakes we did before.  We face the same problems we did as teenager trying to discover our purpose.  We struggle with decisions which could effect the rest of our lives.

The truth is, we’re all in the same boat.  Ever since sin came into a perfect world, we’ve been faced with a common dilemma.  Life isn’t easy and it won’t be until we die and go to paradise where there will be no more dirty diapers, oatmeal on the wall, or difficulty hearing or seeing.  I’m talking about young and old here.

There is a manual for living through these times that applies to each and every inhabitant of the earth – past, present and future.  Its called the Bible and promises to have a solution to every difficulty we face in this life.  Dust it off, open it and read it.  It will give you the perfect plan for your life and the assurance of eternity in paradise.

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 17, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Could this be where my novel wound up?  That would be interesting since we don’t have gerbils, but  I do have a dog though who has a penchant for paper.  Oh wait, this wasn’t on a hard copy.  Must be somewhere in the clouds.

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GIRLY DAY

Posted on March 16, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Yesterday I had the entire afternoon with my fourteen year old granddaughter.  I know the day will soon approach, when being with Grandma is no longer cool, so I will relish these moments before she moves onto that chapter in life.

Our afternoon began with lunch at McDonalds – not my first choice, but it was hers and today it was about her so I gorged myself with a quarter pounder and wondered what tricks it would play with my digestive system.  She had no qualms about her fish sandwich.  Oh to be young again and not have to worry about such things.  We talked about which movie to see  and after much back and forth – “Grandma,  let’s see this one” and Grandma responding, “I don’t know.  What’s the rating?” – we finally decided on the one she wanted to see in the first place.  I don’t recall the title, but it did have a few good lessons in it, which I immediately  pointed out.

I remember when my own teenagers started watch “PG13” movies some 35 years ago and the only reason for that rating was the language.  I knew then that it was the beginning of the end for my children. They thought I was a prude and way too old fashioned, but that experience showed me how things can start out simply, but blossom into all out trouble – but they survived and so did I.  I still believe that the dark side of life is slow and subtle in making its way into our culture.  It doesn’t happen overnight.

Being a parent today is so much harder, because kids are exposed to so much before they even become teenagers.  Much of it comes from the 5 o’clock news in my city.  They’re hearing about sex offenders, child molesters and all other sorts of deviant crimes.  The television shows are loaded with immorality and our kids have become numbed to any consequences for bad behavior.

I began to think, as we walked out of the theater, how times change, but if your children are grounded in the truth of God (the One who never changes) you have a much better chance of surviving this season in life.

We joked, laughed and hugged to say goodbye.  The afternoon was over.  Two girls, separated only by sixty years, enjoying each others’ company. Time has taken its toll on this old woman, but I still feel like a kid when I’m with this special girl.  I hope she never gets tired of girly days with Grandma.  I know I won’t.

 

 

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 16, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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What happens when the wrong characters are chosen for the wrong poetry.

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CHARACTERS OF THE PASSION – PILATE’S WIFE

Posted on March 16, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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She’s known  as Claudia Procula and had a bit part in the Passion Story.  She had a disturbing dream regarding the accused blasphemer and self-professed King of the Jews.  It was real enough in her mind to go to her husband and  plead for the life of Jesus.

Matthew 27:19  Besides, while he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent word to him, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream.”

I’ve had some very realistic, frightening dreams, so I can totally relate to this woman.  The vision becomes a reality for a moment and when you wake, you are convinced that your dream was true.

Does God place dreams in our minds for a purpose?  Sometimes our dreams can turn into realities if they’re within our reach.  We may set goals and then dream how to fulfill them.  Dreams can give rise to anxiety too.  Maybe something is going on in your life that you’re struggling with and you come up with a solution through a dream.  Our minds have been intricately and beautifully created.  I’m certain that the Holy Spirit works within us in many ways, and maybe even through our dreams.

Of course, Mrs. Pilate’s dream  caused her unrest, but her husband didn’t heed her warning.  His hands were tied when it came to the crowd that screamed for crucifixion.  There was nothing he could do but give in to their demands.  It was the only way to keep peace and create good will with the people.  He had no proof – no witnesses – no damning evidence, but the demands of the religious leaders was enough to convict this innocent man.

That decision, by Pilate, was part of a greater plan God intended for His Son and for all of us.  Each step towards the cross – even though filled with ugliness, cruelty, scorn, torture and pain – was paving the way for us to walk into eternity free of the weight of sin and guilt.

 

 

 

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WERE YOU THERE?

Posted on March 15, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Were you there when the universe was formed,

Did you watch as God crushed through solid rock,

And made majestic mountains,

Did you hear the sound of His breath,

As He filled the sea with fish,

Did you see His finger,

As it carved rivers, lakes and seas,

Were you witness to His creation,

To His bounty of vegetation and life,

To His perfect design,

To His loving attention to detail,

Were you there when he took the dust of the earth,

And made a human being,

With a heart, mind, synchronized body,

Perfect in every way,

And later created a helper for that man,

From the man himself,

His plan has never nor will ever,

Be matched,

We were not there at the start,

But believing in Him,

We will be with Him at the end,

He promised.

 

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YOU ARE A MASTERPIECE

Posted on March 15, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“If in my youth I had realized that the sustaining splendour of beauty of with which I was in love would one day flood back into my heart, there to ignite a flame that would torture me without end, how gladly would I have put out the light in my eyes.” Michelangelo

When you’re in the prime of life, you’ve probably come close to achieving masterpiece status.  Your body is in pretty good condition.  Your life is on the right track.  Your finances are in decent shape.  Your relationships have been established and if you’re fortunate, you’ve come to grips with who God is and the plan He has for your life.

When you go beyond those years, things start to fall apart.  Your aging body requires more help to get out of bed..  Your memory fails and so do many of your senses.  You are probably close to or in retirement.  Your finances have shrunk and that small nest egg you had is dwindling by the second.  Your friends are passing you by on the way to heaven.  Your goals have all been achieved and you may even begin to wonder why you’re still here.

God has a purpose for each and every one of us – regardless of our physical age.  He created each one with unique talents, abilities, strengths, dreams and more. We are not merely clones, cookie cutter pressed out and sent through an assembly line.  Finding out what those qualities are sometimes takes some longer to figure out than others.

When we reach these elder years, we have more time.  We can use that time to wallow in self-pity or put it to positive energy instead.  If we’re still capable of working, we should.  If we find ourselves on a track to no where, its time to find something to fill our lives with something that can still be useful.  We can’t give up simply because our bodies are aging.

I really believe that the older generation has so much to offer this world.  Our years of life experience can’t be measured by college degrees.  We have attained a lifetime of treasure which can be shared with those younger than us.  We’ve suffered through many of the things those younger ones are suffering right now.  We can be of more service than we realize when it comes to encouraging others.

Putting things in perspective – we only have a short time left to make a difference in this world.  Every waking moment should be spent in giving back in one way or another.  God’s work is always good and you are one of His masterpieces.

 

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 15, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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