HAPPY HEDGEHOG DAY

Posted on February 2, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“If somebody thinks they’re a hedgehog, presumably you just give ’em a mirror and a few pictures of hedgehogs and tell them to sort it out for themselves.” Douglas Adams

This little hedgehog deserves as many accolades on this Groundhog Day as any sleepy eyed little groundhog.  Did you know that there is actually a day set aside for these spiny little critters.  They’re so cute, they really do deserve some attention.

Take a look at that face.  It has “cuddle me” written all over it and it’s adorable when he curls into a little ball.

Apparently the groundhog took Hedgey’s place.  The hedgehog had top billing with the Romans and preceded what we celebrate every February 2.  Maybe it had something to do with those seemingly harmless little spines on his back.  Hedgehogs are hard to catch and equally hard to hang on to, because of the quantity of slime they release when they feel threatened. It stands to reason they’d choose a lazy, pudgy, harmless little groundhog.

Of course the hedgehog does not abound in America except in zoos.  They’re native to New Zealand, Africa and parts of Europe and Asia.  Their main preoccupation is staying alive and defending themselves.

So let’s hear it for the hedgehog!  The groundhog doesn’t know what he’s talking about anyway.

Aren’t you glad you tune into my posts.  You and I learn something new every day.

Posted in animals, Humor, miscellaneous, Uncategorized, Wacky holidays | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

JOHN BAPTIZES JESUS

Posted on February 2, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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What a sight he was, this man who was preaching repentance and washing sins away through baptism.  This was the son of Elizabeth and Zechariah – born in their old age – promised by the Angel of the Lord to be the forerunner of the Messiah.

Mary remembered her visit to her cousin right after discovering of her own pregnancy and Elizabeth knew immediately that Mary was indeed carrying the Redeemer, since the child jumped for joy within her.

Both Mary and Elizabeth knew the children they were going to bear, had a special mission on earth, but Mary was undoubtedly surprised when she saw the boy turned man.

John, the Baptist was not an ordinary fellow.  His hair was tangled and dirty.  His clothing was made from animal skins.  His powerful message was apparently gathering quite an audience.  Maybe they came to see the weird guy in the desert who ate locusts and honey.  Maybe they made sense of his message and sincerely believed that his baptizing was going to change their lives.

John’s message of repentance was not an easy one. Most folks don’t like to hear about their shortcomings and disobedience.  It burns the ears, but without hearing those words, how would they ever know how much they needed salvation?

As Jesus began to wade into the water, a stillness came upon the crowd.  John was awe struck as he moved to the Messiah.  Jesus asked to be baptized – not because He needed salvation, (He was sinless) but so that the Holy Spirit would descend upon Him and bless the work that He was about to undertake – and that God, the Father would approve it.

Still, John didn’t understand why he should baptize this man.  He felt unworthy, as we should feel when in the presence of our Savior.  It became apparent soon enough, when the heavens opened and a dove descended and the voice of God uttered the words, “This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased.”

This action didn’t go unnoticed by the crowds.  Word of the Messiah would spread like wildfire from town to town.  Soon Jesus would be gathering crowds of His own and His message was one of forgiveness.

Mary’s boy was now at the start of His ministry.  Soon John would be beheaded and Mary would probably visit Elizabeth to comfort her in her grief – not knowing that she would be suffering for her own dying Son in three short years.

 

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INTO THE WOODS

Posted on February 2, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & INSPIRATION BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

“When we contemplate the whole globe as one great dewdrop, striped and dotted with continents and islands, flying through space with other stars all singing and shining together as one, the whole universe appears as an infinite storm of beauty.” John Muir

When my grandmother became overwhelmed by all the grief around her, she’d go to the woods.  My husband is the same way.  He seems to draw some strength by being away from the cares of life and close to God’s beautiful creation.  I’m not much of a nature buff, but I do appreciate how just getting away from all the cobwebs that mess up the every day, can refresh our spirits.

Now that things have gotten so clouded and insane in our world, I’m becoming more prone to a trip to the mountains or somewhere that’s just inhabited by me and God. I think we all need a healing time, even when our bodies are healthy.  Our souls need a good shot in the arm once in a while.  I can’t think of a better place to be than wrapped in the arms of my Creator, feeling His strength giving me new life and energy, pushing the noise out and breathing refreshment into my nostrils.

Unfortunately, as long as we inhabit this world, we will never find complete peace.  Our planet is inhabited with hatred, narcissism, violence, a network of words that gives us a picture of all of it within seconds.

When Job was confronted by the loss of everything important to Him, he clung to the only One He could count on.  Certainly not his friends.  They were making judgments of their own and trying to discover what wrong Job had done to put him in such a bad relationship with God.  Job hung on, even as he lost all his children, his means of making a living, home, servants, cattle – everything.

Still he had the strength to praise God in the midst of all his trouble.  I’m not Job and I certainly don’t have his stamina, but we all have our battles on this side of eternity.  Today, instead of focusing on the ugliness, let’s go “into the woods.”

 

 

 

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I’M SICK!

Posted on February 1, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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A trip to the doctor this morning proved my self-diagnosis to be correct.  I’m glad I don’t look quite as bad as the guy in the picture, but I’ve been feeling poorly for almost a week.

When we get sick there are an assortment of causes.  With stomach issues, I could blame it on something I ate that didn’t agree with me, something that might have been contaminated or I just picked up a germ somewhere along the way.

Maybe the germ is the state of our country in less than two weeks.  I have never seen such a bunch of nonsense.  The bacteria might have been handed to me as I helped to audition a bunch of kids last week. My grandma always used to say, “you kids were all healthy until you went to school.”

Germs are kind of like people.  If you rile them up enough, they can do mean things to you.  Thanks in advance for prayers for healing – me and our country.

 

 

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STOP IT, STOP IT, STOP IT!!

Posted on February 1, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“It is better to keep your mouth closed and let people think you are a fool than to open it and remove all doubt.” Mark Twain

I live in one of those predominantly activist type towns.  I’m not proud of it, but it’s the truth. My city boasts acceptance of everyone, every race, every ethnic background and sexual preference.  They stand for women’s rights, abortion and gender change.  They get angry when people get shot by police officers without knowing all the facts and immediately blame the gun for the problem.  Minneapolis is right up there with the other big cities when it comes to protesting anything and everything and it doesn’t surprise me.

Is protesting the only way to make your case?  Every morning I wake to one march after another.  Sometimes you even see the same faces in the footage. I believe in free speech, but if there is ever to be any sanity in our country again, we need to start communicating in other ways.  The protesting has in fact become a sort of propaganda to stir up the masses.

We have a media that jumps to conclusions, before a case comes to trial, leading to difficulty in prosecuting or defending it, not to mention jurors who have been exposed to all these opinions prior to coming into the courthouse.

When the noise becomes too much, my first inclination is to turn it off, but when we have news channels that run at least four hours morning and evening, it does no more than fuel the anger of everyone on both sides.  CNN & FOX NEWS are equally guilty of editorializing.

The art of communication has slowly been eaten up by technology.  Communication leads to solving problems and putting our heads together to do so.  A tweet, e-mail or text message may be OK for little things, but when it comes to the big stuff, we have to talk to each other face to face.

I fear for where all of this is moving our people.  I’m concerned for children who are being exposed to disgusting displays, language and hatred.  I’m worried about what their world will be like in 25 years.  A couple thousand years ago, these words were penned.

Proverbs 15:1  “A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.

Proverbs 13:3 “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin. “

I guess they had problems communicating in those days too.

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KATHY RANT

Posted on January 30, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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I’ve been considering what kind of work to do, now that I’m retired.  In checking the employment opportunities, I happened to come across the salaries being paid to activists for various causes.  I was surprised to see the going wage is $12-$15 an hour.  I now know what Donald Trump was talking about, while campaigning, when he referred to putting so many people back to work before he was even elected.

I’ve been wondering why there are so many people at protests and now know why.  You can make more shouting profanities and raising obnoxious signs than you can flipping burgers.  Of course this isn’t everyone’s cup of tea.

Frankly, I’m getting really tired of every group with a desire for change and political involvement, marching through our streets, cluttering them with litter, disturbing traffic areas, inconveniencing people, using every opportunity (including awards shows, etc.)to voice their opinions – not to mention destroying property and looting.

Protests were intended to be the people’s right to express, in a peaceful way, the things that they want to bring to someone’s attention.  The fact that protestors are being paid to do this, defies reason – although it beats standing in an unemployment line or accepting  welfare.  I suppose if I took up a cause like “Senior Lives Matter” or “Standing up for Jesus”, I might consider it, but unfortunately those causes probably don’t pay a red cent.

The First Amendment does not provide the right to conduct an assembly at which there is a clear and present danger of riot, disorder, or interference with traffic on public streets, or other immediate threat to public safety or order. Statutes that prohibit people from assembling and using force or violence to accomplish unlawful purposes are permissible under the First Amendment.[

What are your thoughts on this?

 

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“AND HE GREW” MARY’S JOURNEY

Posted on January 30, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Mary probably didn’t have a baby book to write in.  Most of her days as a young mom were undoubtedly filled with washing clothes, changing diapers, cuddling bruised children, comforting those who had been bullied, making meals, clothing and teaching her kiddos about God and His promises.

As a young mother myself, I can remember those days.  The good old baby book was almost full when my firstborn came into the world. I recorded weight and length, first steps, first words, smiles and every little detail went into that book.  That was for the first few months.  As time went by, I had tucked it away and put my focus on the child instead.  With each child, the events of early childhood became less and less and by the time my last child came, I think all that remained was a birth picture and a footprint.

Somewhere in between birth and adulthood, the memories get stowed away in the recesses of your mind.  You may not write each one down, but those little things come to surface when you least expect them.  The funny things they said and did – the pride you had when they scored a basket that won the game – your anxious moments when they were late in getting home.

We really don’t know much about Jesus life between His visit to the temple when He was twelve until he emerges at the age of thirty to begin the work He was sent to do.  What was going on during that time?  Our curiosity about those years can often get in the way of Jesus true mission.

We may expect the Savior of the World getting involved in the politics of the day – to be preparing to be an earthly King – consuming His days with concern over the poverty that surrounded Him.  He had to  work hard and sweat, but the fact that we don’t know what was going on is really of no benefit for us.

The Bible tells us in Luke 1:80, “And the child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day of his public appearance to Israel.”

He grew – not only in stature, but in strength of spirit.  His wilderness could have been a physical wilderness or His time of spiritual endurance – preparing Him for what lay ahead.  The fact that He’s God, didn’t require any of that, but as a man, He had to go through the same things we experience every day.  He laughed, He comforted others, He listened, counseled, wept, felt pain, grief and sadness.

While this interlude of eighteen years occurred, Mary pondered all these things in her heart and would bring them to remembrance as her firstborn made His way to Golgotha

 

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PRAISE GOD

Posted on January 29, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it!

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TATTOOS

Posted on January 28, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

Just a thought – when getting “inked” do people ever think of how that tat is going to look in 30 or 40 years and their bodies begin to sag.  Gives a whole new meaning to aging with grace.

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THE PERFECT CHILD

Posted on January 28, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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As parents, it’s our greatest desire to raise the perfect child, but in a sin filled world it’s next to impossible.  That, and the fact that even the most innocent looking children are born into this world already tarnished with sin.  Not one of them has to be taught how to be selfish, naughty or belligerent.  It’s part of the nature of things.

A couple thousand years ago, a boy was born completely without sin.  He never let the world entice Him and He physically resisted the snares of Satan with the use of His Father’s Words.

Can you imagine what it was like to be related to a kid like that?  The really “perfect” child.  His mother never had reason to scold or chastise Him, because He could do no wrong.  His stepdad could teach Him how to carve a piece of wood into a table or chair, but this boy was there when the creation of the world took place.  His stepbrothers and sisters must have become a bit irritated with this perfect kid in the house.

As Jesus grew in stature, He also grew as a human being.  One of those great mysteries we will never comprehend until we reach heaven.  He was God and man at the same time.

His early years of life are not revealed to us,  except for the time when His Mary and Joseph thought He was with the caravan returning to Nazareth, only to realize that he wasn’t.   How could you leave a child behind like that?  As they traveled with a large group of relatives, it might seem logical that a child could get lost in the shuffle – but this was no ordinary child.

Mary knew Jesus was sent by God to do something special for the world, but as a mother, she must’ve been beside herself.  Today we have instant access to our children with the invention of modern technology.  Mary didn’t have that luxury.  Her mind must’ve have thought of every dangerous scenario in the book.

When they returned to Jerusalem, there He was, in the temple, teaching the most intelligent and scholarly leaders of the Sanhedrin. This boy of 12 or so, had the Word at His fingertips.  He was the Word – God with us.

During those growing up years, Mary certainly had concerns when Jesus scraped His knees or cut a piece of His own flesh as He chiseled away at a piece of wood.  She cared for those things, because she was a mom.  She undoubtedly worried about Him, because she was a mom.  She loved Him as her own precious first born son, but she knew He was more than that – not because she was a mom, but because she had faith in what God had promised.

Along with all the other amazing things that had happened so far, Mary tucked these things into her heart and would recall them again one day.

 

 

 

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HE WILL CATCH ME WHEN I FALL

Posted on January 27, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

 

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

Butterflies tickle my insides each time I try something new.

I worry and fret and often forget how Jesus knows just what to do,

He’s always around when I need Him, He walks with me all of the way,

He won’t let me down – He helps me find strength to sweep all frustration away.,

No matter the day or the hour, I experience His awesome power,

He’s there at my side and with me He’ll abide through rain storm or each falling shower,

So when I am tempted to give into fear, I stand confident in His grace,

He is my defense – He helps me make sense of the difficulties that I face,

I praise Him today for all that He gives to a wretch as hopeless as me,

Because of His love, which comes from above, sins were buried and I am set free.
 

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TO JULIE, WITH LOVE

Posted on January 25, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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This is directed to Julie(aka Cookie)

Thought you could use a chuckle today.

Posted in Uncategorized | 5 Comments

STUFF HAPPENS

Posted on January 25, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase. Martin Luther King, Jr.

I started writing a novel a few years ago.  Sometimes you have to put your writing away for a while and brood over it.  It’s in my head – I just haven’t had the time to sit down and finish it.   I tried opening it a couple weeks ago and was able to find the first few paragraphs, but the rest of the manuscript has disappeared into cyberville.  Maybe it’s floating on someone else’s cloud.

How often do we put things on hold, intending to get at them sometime in the future, but then something happens to deter those plans?  For example we plan to spend more time with our children, but work gets in the way.  We look forward to retirement and health issues bog us down.  We desire to go to a certain university, but can’t make the grade.  Our dreams may include having several children, but miscarriages happen.

Why does God put these obstacles in our way?  I don’t have the answer to that, other than knowing that God has prearranged our lives, according to His will.  There’s nothing we can do to change that, but accept that His will is always for our good.  In the process, He’s molding us – tempering us – designing us for our place in heaven.

In the meantime, that doesn’t hold much water when we’re struggling through these disappointments.  We get discouraged.  We lose hope. We often give up.  This is when Satan moves in and causes us to doubt God’s direction for us.  We become cynical, angry, frustrated and lose faith, but this is also the time when Jesus grabs our hands and says, “It’s OK, I’ve got this.”

My manuscript may show up in one of the packed boxes in our garage, or maybe not.  In any event, maybe I need to focus on something else right now.  The words are still in my head and may come back to me before I drift into dementia, but it really doesn’t matter.  God has a plan for me and I am convinced that the end of the story will live on in eternity.

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HONORED

Posted on January 24, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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ORIGINAL ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER©

This little rock may seem obscured

By brilliant sun and constant holding,

And yet its message has endured,

Of love and care enfolding,

 

It may seem silly to hang so tightly to it,

But for me, it solidifies my relationship,

Not only with my precious husband,

But my loving God,

As this simple expression of love,

Greets me every day,

I know that I am,

Treasured,

Loved,

Honored,

Delighted in,

A gift from the one I love,

With words from the God I serve.

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THE TIMES, THEY ARE A-CHANGIN’

Posted on January 24, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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It may have begun somewhere in the 1970’s.  We were winding down a seemingly endless war in Viet Nam.  Women fought for equal rights.  Segregation was still an issue.  We had a national scandal and saw a president impeached.  The comedians of the day were Phyllis Diller and Don Rickles who spent their monologues ragging on everyone.  Movies now had “R” ratings.  The sexual revolution was well underway.  It seemed that the days of “Father Knows Best” were over and replaced with dysfunctional families with dads like Archie Bunker.

Folks became numbed with illicit drugs.  The three martini lunch was the menu of the day to cinch a deal.  Space exploration was still in the news, but now people were becoming more concerned about the state of our own planet and focusing on ways they could control things like climate change.

Somehow the basics of religion were tossed aside in favor of self-reliance.  The Ten Commandments became outdated.  The Bible was just a book of myths and stories. In fifty years, this would lead to a nation who no longer felt the need to go to church – a population that didn’t trust government officials – a land where family was a thing of the past – a country that no longer put their trust in God.

Today we see more “me” oriented behavior.  The idea of helping others is considered second to fulfilling our own needs.  We strive for multiple vehicles, numerous luxuries, outstanding homes that are rarely lived in – because folks are too busy working to pay for them.

America is the land of opportunity, but not for everyone.  We have become inclusive, self centered and corrupt.  We need good leadership.  I think we need to give our new president a chance to show us what he can do, instead of slinging mud at him.  It’s time for common sense.  This mess we’re in didn’t occur overnight.  The devil is anxious for company in hell, and he’s willing to wait for it.  Let’s prove to him that he won’t get a hold of us.

Have faith, be strong and courageous and trust in God’s mighty hand.  He has a plan!

“The line it is drawn
The curse it is cast
The slow one now
Will later be fast
As the present now
Will later be past
The order is
Rapidly fadin’
And the first one now
Will later be last
For the times they are a-changin’.”

BOB DYLAN

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A WOMAN OF VIRTUE

Posted on January 24, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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When the Feminist Movement got underway in the 60’s, women applauded the rights they demanded.  They burned their bras in protest.  They shed all evidence of the things they felt were binding them or holding them back.  Their cry for equality and solidarity was loud and clear and set the stage for what would become a totally different society.

Women, up to that point in time, were considered by some as second class citizens.  Their career opportunities were limited.  Society had loosened the reins somewhat and didn’t frown nearly as much on women working outside the home, but the stigma was still there.

We’ve come a long way, baby – or have we?  Today women hold high positions in almost every area of the “civilized” world.  They run large companies – they hold political office (and we may eventually see one in the White House) – their career paths are endless.

The Feminist Movement made a huge impact on society.  Many women now make more money than their male counterparts.  Men often act as surrogate mothers while their wives make far greater salaries than they will ever see.  Women take time off to have babies, but soon reliquish the actual raising of that child to a nanny.  Women can choose to have babies or to abort them because it isn’t convenient for them.  Young women soon learn that power equals sex and morals are a thing of the past as long as you have protection.  Girls can physically become boys if the want to or if their parents feel they are trending in the opposite direction.  Women may be treated as equal, but they are no longer revered or treasured as God intended them to be.

Our young girls need to know they have value – not only to their parents, but to the One who created them.  They  are precious human beings who have been created in a special way that allows them to produce new life, but they also contribute to the success of their children by encouraging, nurturing and instilling in them God’s truth.  They have dignity, strength, a compassionate spirit, tender hearts, the ability to inspire and so much more.  God did not only create women for man’s pleasure, but also as an extension of man.   We are all equal in God’s sight, yet each one of us unique.

Today there is another call to freedom from the shekels of oppression of women.  For the most part, I believe women in America have it pretty good.  The new morality has given way to promiscuousness on both sides, leading to many of the problems women are complaining about.  Modesty is a thing of the past.

Before we can move forward, we need to look back to see how we got here.

Proverbs 31:10-12 ” Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.  She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.”

 

 

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WOMEN ON PARADE

Posted on January 23, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“Don’t shut yourself up in a bandbox because you are a woman, but understand what is going on, and educate yourself to take your part in the world’s work, for it all affects you and yours.” ~Louisa May Alcott

I’m certain I’ll get a lot of flack for this post, but I’m going to write it anyway.  I am so tired of all the protests going on in this country. We are a nation of free people, who have the right to express our feelings, our causes, our hopes and dreams in public – yes!  We have the freedom to speak our minds and do so in great numbers.  Amen!  The causes spoken for are not in themselves wrong, but the fact that they have become a way of life is.

Either there are a lot of people out of work and have nothing better to do than demonstrate, or there are a lot of very unhappy, dissatisfied, angry and disgruntled folks in the United States.  I’m certain there are paid activists in these demonstrations inciting the crowd and stirring emotions.  Maybe it’s time for those of us who are sick of this behavior to rise up and march for freedom from protestors.

We tend to blame others when we don’t get what we want.  We strike, we complain, we  paint ugly words on signs for what purpose – to get attention.  It kind of reminds me of child’s tantrums to raise the ire of their parents and, in so doing, get what they want.

Most of the protests are demands for selfish reasons.  I’m wondering if the energy and zeal of the protestors wouldn’t be better served if they got physically involved in some of the things they’re demanding.  For example, those who are pro-abortion should volunteer at an abortion clinic so they can actually see what happens.  Perhaps those who are complaining about equal pay should educate themselves on the plight of the homeless and those who have been jobless for years.

Protests can be useful, but for the most part, I think they are becoming the fad of the day.  What it all boils down to is becoming aware – educated – involved in solving the problems rather than creating more of them.

There are many of us who are proud to be women.  We feel our successes are measured by the building of a nation – not by destroying it. We cling to the fact that we are honored by our spouses, our families, our communities.  We aren’t afraid to work hard to bring home part of the bacon. I know that even as an older woman, doors are open for me. I can still pursue my dreams and many opportunities are still available to me.

It’s really time for this country to sit back and relax.  We need to give our new president support and a chance to prove himself rather than throwing stones at him.  We will never become a united nation while we are so inwardly divided.  Destruction will come from within unless we put our differences aside and begin to work together.

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WHAT’S THE MATTER WITH KIDS?

Posted on January 23, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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Kids, I don’t know what’s wrong with these kids today
Kids, who can understand anything they say?
Kids, they are disobedient, disrespectful oafs
Noisy, crazy, sloppy, lazy, loafers
And while we’re on the subject

Kids, you can talk and talk till your face is blue
Kids, but they still do just what they want to do
Why can’t they be like we were, perfect in every way?
What’s the matter with kids today?

Who can forget these words from “Bye Bye, Birdie,” the Broadway musical about an American idol who is joining the army.  In the song “Kids,” the parents in the show lament what has come of this generation – this brood of vipers – and how did it ever happen that they parented these children.

Raising teenagers is no picnic, but believe me, if you can get through it, you can accomplish just about anything.  Hormones are raging.  Sleep deprivation is at it’s peak and the teenage brain is still developing along with other things.  This transition period in a child’s life not only affects him/her, it causes those around them to pull out their hair, wonder where they went wrong and how did that sweet little infant turn into someone so rebellious that they’ve become recognizable.

“Bye Bye, Birdie hit Broadway in the 1960’s – more than 50 years ago and we are still asking those same questions.  The Bible speaks of rebellious children as well.

Proverbs 30:17  The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures.

Talk about child abuse!  Here’s another one.

Leviticus 20:9  For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him.

Rebelliousness has been a problem for a long time.  Children are merely a reflection of those who raise them.  They are great imitators of what they see and experience.  If there is no discipline – no spiritual guidance and parental direction, chances are far greater that the child will be led to his own devices – and I’m not talking about the technology devices you see constantly in their hands.

Children have been going through puberty for centuries and some of them make it unscathed.  This is the time in their lives when they need their parents most. They are unsure about their futures – they don’t know if they have what it takes to succeed – they are dealing with all kinds of physical changes – and new ideologies are coming at them daily.

Parents, this is the time to listen to your children.  Watch changes in behavior and discuss them.  Ask them about their fears and anxious moments and lead them to solutions. Giving in to their every whim and trying to satisfy their wants instead of their needs isn’t the answer either.  They need the tools to survive in a sin filled world.  They need to be strengthened and armed and they need you to give them those things.

Ephesians 6:4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

 It isn’t an easy time to be a parent.  The world is closing in on kids like never before.  They’re exposed to every kind of sinful behavior before they even reach the age of ten, but these short years that you have them in your lives, are the perfect opportunity to lay the ground work for a future that will survive the test of time.

Never give up.  This too shall pass.

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A FRESH START

Posted on January 21, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

Our country inaugurated a new president yesterday.  Protesters lined the streets, jeering voices spewed obscenities, violent behavior erupted.  Just like any other day.

We could say these acts of vandalism and hatred were freedom’s voice speaking loud and clear, but they’re nothing more than business as usual in our country.  It seems when folks don’t like something, they to go to the streets and stir things up – to get noticed – to be heard – to take advantage of any event to make their dissidence known.  I have nothing against peaceful protest, but protest is no longer peaceful and it has become a sickening rendition of freedom of speech.

So much energy is spent in these displays – energy that could be used in much better ways.

Maybe it’s time that those who protest for one cause or another, use their energy towards a positive goal – like getting involved in the community – working for change – being part of the solution to the problem they are opposing.

Our new president spoke to the American people and promised that their voices would again have presence in the governing of our nation.  I think he means it.  He also used the word “we” throughout his speech – which shows me that we are involved.  We need to be part of this whole thing called America and we need to return to God as well.

The United States has always possessed the spirit of hard work and perseverance.  In the past decade, I’ve seen a decline in patriotism and skepticism towards anyone in government – brought about by self-motivated and corrupt politicians as well as lackadaisical citizens who have dropped the ball.

We all need to get on board.  We need to forget about our differences and join together again.  Maybe we still don’t agree on certain things, but now it’s time to bring unity to our nation.  Democracy works only if we the people are involved in the process.

 

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SUBMIT

Posted on January 20, 2017 by atimetoshare.me

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“America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Abraham Lincoln

Today we await the transfer of power as one president leaves office and another takes the oath to honor the constitution of the United States.  It should be a smooth transition, however this election has stirred emotions that run the gamut of human existence.

There are those who resist, protest and continue to complain about the results of that election.  There are those who will continue with that attitude for a long time after.  It’s now time for us to focus on a country that needs help in so many ways.  It’s time to set aside our differences, our anxiety, our depression, our desires.  When we place our thoughts on things that effect is personally, we are not only succumbing to the “me” society of today, but we’re losing what’s really important.

Our new president will face the same difficulties that the old one did.  There will be bad press, fake news, scandal and more. However, the business of government should be considered a business. Our country needs a leader that knows how to run a business and we now have one.  Let him show us what he’s got.  He was, after all, elected by the majority.  There was a reason for that.

Dear, God, I pray for our presidents – past and future.  They are your representatives in our country.  Without them there would be no order.  You have set up governing bodies for just that purpose.  Help our nation to come together, rather than pulling apart.  Don’t let feelings get in the way of reconstruction.  Keep us on a steady path and be with this nation once again.  There are still many here that trust in your name and your involvement in our government.  I pray with sincere hope that we will again become the UNITED states.  Amen!

 

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