ON BEING A GRANDMA

Posted on March 14, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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I remember having grandparents that were a very important part of my upbringing even though they were not in my life every day. One of those grandmothers was a typical farmer’s wife with 8 children. She made sure that fresh homemade bread was set in pans and rising at 5 AM to be baked at noon. She milked cows, prepared meals, pumped water to do the laundry (with a wringer washer,) hung clothes out to dry, and this was all before noon.

My other grandma was a city lady who raised four children on her own. She smoked cigarettes, worked in a factory most of her life, had a few more conveniences, but still possessed a strong work ethic. As different as these two women were, they both had one thing in common. They had tons of love to pour on their grandchildren.

Once we become grandparents, we have a great responsibility. We have been given a second chance to do things the way we wish we would have with our children. We can use the time we have to listen to them, to encourage them, to guide them spiritually, to correct them (to a point) and teach them through our own life lessons.

Lord, thank you for grandparents who influenced my life in so many ways. May I be that kind of person for my own grandchildren. Amen!

 

 

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CHARACTERS OF THE PASSION – ANNAS

Posted on March 14, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

 

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At the time of Jesus’ unjust arrest, Annas was no longer the acting high priest of Judaea.  He had originally been appointed by Quirinius for the position, when the Romans took over rule of the Jews.  He served  for ten years, but was considered equal with his son-in-law, Caiphas, even though he no longer held the title.  The Jews venerated their priests no matter who was in control at the time.

He was of the Sadducean aristocracy.  He was extremely wealthy and much of that wealth came from the sale of animal sacrifices to be used at the temple.  Booths were set up where the average person could pay their way to forgiveness. We all know how upset  Jesus was when entered the temple area and saw how it had been turned into a den of thieves.  His indignation was righteous, but the fact that He voiced His feelings in such a way, must have turned the Sadducees against Him immediately.  He was, after all, threatening their lucrative business and livelihood.

As Annas questioned Jesus, he asked Him about the number of followers Jesus had, in order to determine if what had been said was true – that the whole world was following Him. Jesus asked for witnesses to be brought forward in His defense. He said, “Why do you ask me? Ask those who have heard me what I said to them; they know what I said.”

Annas demanded to know about His teachings – in hopes of having Him incriminate Himself as a false prophet or blasphemer.  Jesus responds in quiet dignity, which really infuriates and confuses Annas.  No one has ever stood so boldly against him.

At the same time as this initial interrogation was being held inside, Peter was in the courtyard, denying ever knowing His beloved Jesus – just as Jesus had predicted he would. This simultaneous dialogue is so beautifully and dramatically written, so that we can see how even the staunchest of His disciples weakened when the time came. It also demonstrates Jesus’ resolve in our weakness.

We, who are witnesses to what Christ has done for us through the Word of God, so often cave when confronted about our faith.  We have so many opportunities to witness for Jesus and fear doing so.  Jesus remained strong during his interrogation while Peter denied Him. When we’re in comfortable settings, it’s easy to stand up for Jesus.  When times become perilous, how do we respond?

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 14, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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SPEED

Posted on March 13, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Way before night time breaks into day,

Upon the horizon, the lights dance and play,

The quiet of dawn is pierced by the sound,

Of a rickety train and its treasures out bound,

The clickity clack, the rattling call,

The crash and the screech as they wheeze and they crawl,

The broken down freight cars, abused and now marred,

Like us have long battled and often are scarred,

But life travels on in the heat of the day,

The darkness can’t hide us or keep us at bay,

The tracks of this life are still filled with our sin,

And they remain there until death soon will win,

We still need a Savior to set us aright,

To bring us new mornings with sweet, treasured light.

 

 

 

 

 

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CHARACTERS OF THE PASSION – BARABBAS

Posted on March 13, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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It was another time, another place, but much like our world today.  Rome had invaded Judaea and Jerusalem had become nearly unrecognizable.  Some of the change was good.  There were new roads, grand buildings, protection from a mighty army.  Being the temple city of Jerusalem, it also became a huge center for trade, export and prosperity that had never been seen before.  On the other hand, it meant domination once more for the Jews.

They could continue to worship the way they had, but had to be obedient to the Roman Empire.  Political tensions were rising.  Some of the people were satisfied with their new found wealth and success while others were sick of being held captive by this ever growing empire.  It meant paying heavy taxes, the influx of new religions, following rules that were new to them.  Many of the citizens lived in poverty while others basked in wealth.

Usually when there’s political unrest, it isn’t uncommon for one faction of the population to rebel.  Barabbas was one of those involved in the insurrection during the time of Jesus.  He was more than just a political activist however.  His crimes included murder and he was imprisoned because of it.  There’s no way of knowing what his reaction to this event was, but we can speculate that he was relieved to have his life spared.

It was the custom to release a prisoner during Passover and Barabbas was the one the people cried out for.  A convicted murderer would be released and replaced by the sinless Son of God and Savior of the world.  Barabbas deserved his punishment.  His life was filled with darkness.  His behavior warranted death.  Still the crowd cried out for his realease.

I wonder what went through this man’s mind as he was pardoned that day.  Did he have any concern for the one who die in his place?  Did he come to realize what had been done for him?  How do we react to the smitten Savior who took our place on the cross?

Jesus’ blood would be demanded by the people.  They may not have known it, but they were in fact offering the final sacrifice to God – the Lamb without blemish that would make full atonement for the sins of all people – including Barabbas.

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 13, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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FIRST LIGHT

Posted on March 12, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

 RED SKY IN MORNING, SAILORS WARNING; RED SKY AT NIGHT, SAILORS DELIGHT.

Not a touch of red in the sky this early summer morn,

The sky is clear, the water still, a new day has been born,

Open the gates to begin your voyage,

Leave behind care and woe,

Open the mainsail, let it fly,

In the sweet mist of morning dew,

Rest in the breath of the fresh sea air,

Leave all behind without a care,

Fill your thoughts with nothingness,

Open your heart to blissfulness,

The open sea is the place to be,

When you need a place to hide,

Where the brisk, fresh air, tosses your hair,

And a beautiful dream does abide,

But if at the last of the day’s long trip,

The sky does turn to red,

Think of sailing tomorrow,

Return home and jump into bed,

A new day awaits,

There’s much more to see,

The red rising sun won’t discourage you,

You can’t wait to go,

You can’t wait to see,

The wonderful sights that amaze you.

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 12, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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GENERATION GAP

Posted on March 12, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“Here’s the truth. Your teens and twenties are your Plan A. At 50, you’re assessing whether Plan B or Plan C or any of the other plans you hatched actually worked. Your sixties and seventies, they’re an improvisation. Dick Van Dyke”

It would be easy to sit here in my old age and ponder the demise of today’s youth, but I find it really hard to do that.  I could expound on the differences of kids in my day and the ones of today, but I wouldn’t be honest.

OK, we kept our doors unlocked, but it was because we had nothing worth stealing.  We didn’t own a television set until I was ten years old.  My dad didn’t have a car until I was old enough to drive.  Everyone in our neighborhood was in the same boat.  We were all doing OK, but we didn’t have more than we needed.

Today children live in a much different world.  The opportunity for careers is much more extensive. Their role models are no longer their parents, grandparents, pastors or teachers.  Now they look to the athletes who make millions of dollars,  entertainers who achieve “instant” success and those who come up with the most innovative ways to make a buck.

It’s not their fault.  They’re growing up in a world where things and people are placed on pedestals and worshiped like the idols of old.  They’re also expected to achieve intellectually, financially and physically – and that’s before they even reach college.

Every generation has its faults.  We can’t escape the trends, the philosophies, the faults of society.  Now, more than ever, we’re faced with choosing between  right and wrong.  The basic tools for learning have been replaced with tolerance, entitlement and acceleration. The Ten Commandments are considered antiquated, the Bible is just another book to many and many churches have even become big businesses.

Life shouldn’t be complicated, but we’ve made it so, by interfering with God’s plans for us.  We need to step aside and let Him do His will.  He’s going to do it anyway.  Let’s not get in His way.

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CHARACTERS OF THE PASSION – ROMAN CENTURION

Posted on March 11, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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He was a man around the same age as the one hanging on the center cross.  This soldier was a leader of men.  He’d come by his position through the ranks, after several years serving in the military.  The requirements to become an officer were often difficult.  The candidate had to be able to read so he could carry out written orders.  He needed to be extremely fit and strong to wield the sword and carry the heavy shield. In addition his troops were well disciplined and ready.  He was a man who followed orders and executed them to the letter.

That day he was in charge of a crucifixion.  Three men were to be executed.  The cross was the instrument of torture used for this horrible death.  It was designed to support the body enough so that the flesh wouldn’t tear away from the nails, yet it was positioned in such a way that the victim would slowly suffocate because of lack of support and oxygen flow to the lungs.  It was a slow and painful death.

Soldiers are used to seeing the ugly side of life.  When in battle, they’re subjected to death, suffering, bloodshed and adrenaline rising to the limit, but this was different.  These men had been accused of crimes against the government and had to be dealt with.  Just another day for a soldier and officer of the state – nothing like the field of battle and yet a battle was being waged at that very moment – one for the hearts of men.

The victims were laid out on their crosses.  Soldiers hoisted the beams to an upright position and each body let out a gasp of pain as the air was sucked from their lungs for a moment.  They waited to die.

This one in the center had already gone through hours of torture.  He had suffered the tearing of His flesh by the scourge – a beating that would have killed most.  He’d been on public display, humiliated and spat upon.  He carried the weight His own cross to His execution.

The soldiers sat below the cross and gambled for the seamless, homespun robe of purple which had been placed on the back of the supposed king of the Jews.  They laughed and enjoyed the moment. Finally the sky began to fill with darkness as the man uttered His final words.

“Father, into your hands I commit my spirit.”

The earth began to shake as Jesus died that day.  Rocks came tumbling down,  Lightening pierced through the heavy sky.  The centurion looked upon the face of the stricken soldier on the cross and knew that He was more than just a man as he declared, “Truly this was the Son of God!”

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 11, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Sometimes it’s right there staring you in the face.

 

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FRIDAY FUNNY FOR JULIE

Posted on March 10, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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AND THEN IT BEGAN

Posted on March 10, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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On March 10, 1876, Alexander Graham Bell spoke these words into his new invention – the telephone – “Mr. Watson, come here.  I want to see you.”  The rest of course is history, but I do wonder what Mr. Bell would think of the advances made to his invention over the years.

He has been quoted as saying, “America is a country of inventors, and the greatest of inventors are the newspaper men.”  I wonder if even then, there may have been some fake news going on.  Hasn’t that been going on since the invention of the printing press?

The telephone has certainly been revamped over the years.  I remember the old crank wall phone with the speaker protruding out the front of the case.  In fact I still have one – not working of course.  In those days, there were several folks hooked up to the same party line and you could eavesdrop on their conversations if you didn’t have anything else to do.

As time progressed, phones became more sophisticated.  The simple table model with a rotary dial became popular for a while.  The push buttons came into popular use.  They came in all styles and sizes, but for most Americans, it was the epitome of communication.  Who would’ve thought this invention would go on to open up all boarders of this world and allow us to get instant news – fake or not.

What if Alexander had not invented the telephone?  I imagine someone else would have.  Inventors are part of who we are.  Necessity is the mother of invention so they say.  When there is a specific need, we do all in our power as human beings to satisfy the need.  This form of communication has opened doors beyond Alex’s imagination.  I wonder what he would say on his phone today?

 

“CUL BFF”

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 10, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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As we get older, the stories grow larger than life.  It’s hard to put a cap on it sometimes.  Embellishment isn’t all bad though, is it?

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HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BARBIE

Posted on March 9, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

It’s hard to imagine that Barbie has been around since March 9, 1959.  That would make her 58 today.  Do you think this is an accurate image of what she might look like had she actually aged over those years?

I rather imagine that someone born during that time, would already have had several surgeries, hair and teeth implants and other assorted restructuring.  Unfortunately the average woman goes through the aging process without augmentation or rebuilding.  The fact is, we all get old.  Some better than others.

I remember my children playing with Barbies and the creative stories they’d make up for their fanciful dolls.  The perfect body was the beginning of the downfall of most women.  Barbie made it possible for us to believe we could all attain perfection, even if we didn’t.  It was the beginning of the feminist movement after all.

At our house, it wasn’t long before the Barbie dolls were decapitated, disjointed or legless – over years of abuse – but maybe that was significant too.  When we expect so much of ourselves and put that heap of weight called self-confidence on our shoulders, were setting ourselves up for failure.

Barbie was followed by Ken and romance entered the picture.  Yikes!  I had to get my handbook out on the facts of life and start doing some explaining to my girls.  Oh the joys of being a mother.

I’m not sure where Barbie stands now.  Maybe she’s gay.  Maybe she’s transgender.  Maybe she’s still the straight, well adjusted, powerful woman of the 60’s.  Who knows, maybe she’s leading a protest.

There is no doubt about it.  Barbie has definitely changed the way we think about women.

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CHARACTERS OF THE PASSION – THE WOMAN WHO GRABBED A MIRACLE

Posted on March 9, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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For twelve years she ‘d carried the burden of her disease.  Not only was she wasting away because of the loss of blood she shed each day, but her finances were being eaten away as well. She was suffering from an unknown malady which deemed her unclean by her peers – by her heritage – by herself.

Many of us go through long term conditions and know how much those difficulties weigh on us.  We go to great lengths and expense to discover the cause and a treatment.  After such a long time, many simply give up and don’t try anymore.  Their weakened state makes them hopeless.

Hope did remain for this woman.  Her wasted body could barely rise to a standing position, but she’d heard about a man who was doing amazing things in her town. She was at her wit’s end and yet she knew if she could just get a glimpse of Him, or simply walk in His footsteps, there was a glimmer of optimism.

The streets were full of people, all wanting to get a look at Him – the One who called out demons from a possessed young man.  This poor fellow had been tortured for so long, but within an instant, Jesus relieved him from the icy grip of Satan.  If Jesus could cast out demons, certainly He could heal this plagued woman.

The crowds began to overcome, but the woman persisted.  She crawled on her hands and knees below the mob of people and nudged her way to His sandaled feet.  For one brief moment she touched the hem of His robe and immediately her bleeding stopped.

Jesus’ was aware of what happened, but He asked who touched Him.  How frightened she must’ve been.  She’d snatched a miracle simply through His touch.  Still there was something comforting in His voice and she came forward to confess that she was the one.

This woman was bold in her faith.  She knew that Jesus could heal her not only from her illness, but from the shame she suffered because of it.  She believed that He was her Savior.

Jesus said,  “Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.”

We are all like that woman – filled with the sickness of sin.  We need our Savior’s touch to remove that disease from our souls.  Only He can save us.  All we need do is believe that He does.

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 9, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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It’s been a long time since I’ve studiede grammar.  I have, over time, substituted commas with dashes simply because I don’t remember the rules.  That’s what happens when you get old.  Your life becomes a series of dashes and dots. This statement, however, gives me new reason to check my punctuation.  I certainly wouldn’t want to be responsible for taking a life.

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INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S DAY

Posted on March 8, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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So, another day in which we show the world how immature we are as a society.  If we want to prove our importance in the workplace or at home, we simply don’t go to work or do the things required at home.  Sounds to me like the last protest, where immigrants didn’t go to work either just to show how very valuable they are to our economy.  Is this how we handle our problems today?

I remember several decades ago when I was still a student in college and I knew I was going to be bored with the speaker.  I stayed home.  Sure I had paid the tuition for the class, but I thought I was proving a point.   When I was in elementary school and hadn’t studied for a test, I claimed some outlandish contagious disease to get out of going.  This kind of entitlement, instilled in us long ago, is again taking precedence over doing the jobs we’re being paid for and being responsible enough to do.

So what kind of message are we sending to the world?  We’re trying to show them that we’re something that they already know we are – important. How is all this nonsense going to be viewed by our younger generation?  That it’s OK to protest anything you want. After all, it’s all about me, right?   That it’s OK to be irresponsible.  That it’s OK to act like a child for the rest of your life.  The Patty Pan syndrome will never die if we continue to act like children.

The only point  this kind of protest is showing me is a lack of maturity – irresponsible behavior – often ridiculous actions that will some day be regretted – and no real purpose to the action in the first place. Vulgar signs and disgusting actions are simply going to make you look foolish.

To those of you women who went to work today (and I know there are many) I applaud your good sense.  To those of you who went shopping today, out to lunch, picked up the kiddos from school and carted them to various activities, you are worthy of praise.  To those who worked all day and went home to continue to the cycle by doing all the chores there – you deserve a vacation

To those of you who think you need to make a point with your childish behavior, I say, Grow up!

 

 

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WRITERS’ FUNNIES

Posted on March 8, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Sounds just like “The Emperor’s New Clothes” scam, if you ask me

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WRITING PROMPT – RUMINATE

Posted on March 7, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

I deliberately crossed the corridor into the elaborately decorated rum – n – ate.

Sorry I couldn’t resist.

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