PUT A PILLOW ON YOUR FRIDGE DAY?

Posted on May 29, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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It’s “Funny Friday” again and this day of celebration is a new one for me.  Starting somewhere in Europe and migrating to the U.S. in the 1930s or so, this ridiculous observance is supposed to bring good luck to your house.  I’ve often placed pictures on my fridge along with lots of magnets containing contact info I may need.  I usually place things that don’t fit in the cupboard or pantry on top of the fridge, but never a pillow.  Do you suppose that’s why I haven’t had an abundance of good luck lately?

Isn’t it funny how these crazy days surface?  You can find a strange holiday for every day of the year.

I don’t put much stock in this one.  I prefer to place my pillow under my head when I sleep.  Can you imagine the looks you’d get if you had one on your fridge.  First of all, would anyone notice?  I think I would, but the youngsters – maybe not so much.  Their goal with the fridge has to do more with what’s inside it than on top of it.  The cat might find it a cozy place to sleep.

It certainly would be a conversation starter.  I can hear it now.  “We used to put a pillow on our fridge too, until we discovered that the warmth from it caused the ice cream to melt.” or “I’ll bet that’s a convenient place for someone to sleep when you have too many house guests and not enough beds.”

Who would think to make it a good luck charm?  Must have been a leprechaun or a witch, or a pillow salesman.   I never put much stock in four leaf clovers, horseshoes, rabbits’ feet or other superstitions.  I still avoid walking under a ladder however.  You never know when something might fall on you.

Posted in holidays, Humor, superstition | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments

HELL EXISTS

Posted on May 26, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  

Depths of anguish – eternal fire parching swollen, thirsty lips – never ending pain, not experienced in life – inescapable hopelessness – constant falling deeper and deeper – no finish, no escape, no peace from suffering emotionally, physically, spiritually – a nagging ripping at your spirit, your joy, your flesh.

Some say we’re already experiencing hell right here on earth. I believe hell is a real place and the pain we go through in this life is nothing in comparison. Some claim that this life is as good as it gets and when we die that’s the end of it. They say, get all the pleasure while we’re living, because it doesn’t get any better than this. The thought of spending eternity in a smelly pit, swarming with all kinds of blood sucking creatures leaves a lot to be desired, but we have a choice.
When we trust in God’s truth, the words He speaks to us personally in the Bible, we know that He always provides a way out for us. Whether we struggle with one sin or another, experience financial difficulty, exist in constant pain, anxiety, fear or hopelessness, He’s always there to pick up the pieces.  He promises an eternal peace when we choose to believe that He has rescued us from hell through His own precious blood.  To most that sounds too easy.  We feel we need to control our destiny.  God makes it clear what lies ahead for those who follow Him and those who don’t.
So what would you choose? Sounds like a no-brainer to me.

Posted in Christian daily devotion, God, Hell, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

OXYMORON- PEACE IN TURMOIL

Posted on May 24, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  
Can we  find solace or peace in the midst of adversity?  Is there calm when a powerful gale stirs the depths of the sea?  What is the point of lives full of turmoil? What can we learn – how long must we endure – when will the testing end?  Will we ever be ready to face God and find the ultimate peace?

The Bible is full of examples of many who struggled with these difficult questions.  David was face to face with a giant – one far superior in the art of war.  His palms must have been sweating bullets when he pulled that slingshot.  Even with his strong faith in God, he gathered three stones when God only required one.  (actually He didn’t need any!)
Samson, blinded at his lowest point, was able to call on the Lord for just one final burst of strength necessary to defeat the Philistines.  He could then die with the knowledge that he was entering everlasting peace.

Job was so low in his struggle – having lost all his children, property, dignity and health, but even as he scraped the sores on his wretched body, he was able to boldly declare that he knew his Redeemer was alive and that he would see Him face to face.

Each day we face problems. They can overwhelm us.  We can be consumed by them.  We may lose hope.  It’s in those very tough moments that we can depend on God to deliver us and bring us peace.  God may not seem to exist in our trials, but He’s right beside us and within us, giving us courage, strength and abilities we never knew we had.  

We may not have to slay giants or part a sea or save a remnant of believers from destruction, but God has an amazing life planned for each one of us – a life of peace through His precious Son, Jesus – even during the most difficult times.

Posted in Christian daily devotion, Faith, God, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on OXYMORON- PEACE IN TURMOIL

DECORATION DAY

Posted on May 23, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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They called it Decoration Day so many years ago,

We’d dress our bikes with crepe paper to let our neighbors know,

Our pride was in the best place yet for all of us to grow,

Though times have changed and so have hearts, we still can live with pride,

We can’t escape the price once paid, with lives that now have died,

Those precious lives preserved our own, along with eyes that cried.

So stay with us, dear Father, God and guide our country’s way,

Protect her from all tyranny and never let her stray,

Defend this country, keep her safe, God bless the USA.

Kathy Boecher©

Protect

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SANCTUARY

Posted on May 22, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Where do you go to escape the noisiness of life, the frustrations, the fears and worries?  When I was a kid, I always retreated to my closet.  It was a dark, quiet place where no one could hear my words of anger or frustration. My little sister shared the room with me and would show up sooner or later, so my secret hide-away was no longer mine.

Some find refuge in the forest or the mountains.  Escaping to God’s beautiful creation is not only refreshing, but seems to bring you closer to Him.  The air is fresher, the view more spectacular, the sounds of the city evaporate and all you hear are the chirping of birds or an occasional animal sharing your space.

Others thrive on active places where they can blend into a crowd and melt into the noise.  They actually feel more comfortable when they’re surrounded by people.

Some escape into their work, especially if it’s something they have a passion for – like the arts, teaching, professional sports, building a profession.  Some fall into the traps Satan lays for them.  We could find a house of God – a space where we can speak to God on a personal basis – pouring out our problems, our goals, our concerns.  We could seek a place in nature.  We could hide in a closet.

The truth is we have a sanctuary where ever we go.  God has placed Himself within us so we can carry Him into any situation.  Because of His bountiful love, we have a new relationship with Him.  Of course we should hold Him in the highest reverence, but now the curtain that once divided us  has been torn and we have free access – when ever we need it.

GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH – A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE!

Posted in God, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

WORDS OF WISDOM FROM GRANDMA TO GRANDSON

Posted on May 21, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

i posted this on May 21, 2014 as my grandson graduated from high school.  He has now completed his first year of college and is living in a different state.  I thought re-posting it today would honor the new challenges he faces,in his life.

You think that it’s all over. You’ve only just begun.

Your accomplishments prove your value. Your faith has kept you strong.

You’ve pondered o’er the last few years, where life will take you next.

Your dreams will follow a different path now – there are mountains left to climb.

The challenges you face from this day forth will build another you.

You will still be the little child I held – the boy that I watched grow.

The times we’ve shared together have been a treasure to me.

Though time and experience will help you reach your goals,

The only one important thing for you to know is that you always will be child of God.

Your past and present days, along with those to come,

will be In His strong, protective hands until your dying day.

Trust in Him. Depend on His wisdom. Ask for His guidance and protection. Have faith!

The successes you achieve in life are nothing compared to work He has begun in you.

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THE BLAME GAME

Posted on May 20, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

We seem to be living in an era where passing the buck is a common problem. When we’re late for an appointment, we blame traffic or a missed or a difficult spouse or child for holding us up.  When we wait in line for anything, we get irritated if it takes too long.  We start to read things into the minds of others when our own ideas are dismissed or ignored.  It’s always someone else’s fault.

It’s so much easier to blame others.  It takes away our guilt and puts the weight on somone else.  It started at the beginning of time.  God set up His requirements for His paradise, but Adam and Eve disobeyed the one prohibition put in front of them.  No one wanted to take responsibility, so the blame game was invented.  It was initiated by the father of lies.

We see this activity growing out of control in our country.  The average Joe blames his employer when he doesn’t get his work done – saying he isn’t be being pad enough.  The celebrity thinks he’s above the law and then accuses his fans of expecting too much of him.  The politicians blame their constituents for being uncooperative, causing gridlock.

When Jesus shed His holy blood on the cross, He didn’t blame us, even though we deserved it.  He willingly gave His life to wash us free from guilt, shame and blame.  Because of that wonderful gift, let’s eagerly, daily ask for forgiveness instead of passing the buck.  He died once for the sins of all.

Posted in Bible, God, Religion, Salvation | Tagged , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

PUT THE BEST CONSTRUCTION ON IT 

Posted on May 15, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  
How can there be opportunity in tragedy?  How do you make something good out of an excruciatingly painful situation?  How do you find a silver lining when your life is filled with nothing but stormy skies?  

It’s not easy finding opportunities, but it can be done if you’re equipped with the right stuff.  God gives us so many examples in His Word of how ordinary folks like us overcame difficult situations and by His grace created a new path for their lives.  

Each day our lives are filled with tough decisions, difficult situations and tons of interruptions.  How do we get a handle on it?  We can start by thinking outside of ourselves.  

If you get upset with the way others drive try to imagine what’s going on in their heads.  If you lose patience waiting in line, try to imagine the problems those ahead of you are facing.  The guy who cut you off, might be on the way to the hospital to be with his dying parent.  The first person in line may need help in having something explained.  

Maybe we need to think more outside our own bubble.  Our world is changing.  We no longer rely on each other for help.  We have become caccooned in our own little worlds and rarely have interaction face to face.  It’s time to start caring for each other again, rather than thinking the worst.  

God has an app for that.  In the Ten Commandments we learn how to relate to God and those in our lives. Jesus added this one – love your neighbor as yourself.

Posted in Bible, Body of Christ, Christian daily devotion, compassion, Encouragement, Faith, Family, God, grace, Jesus, peace, Religion | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Ascension Day

Posted on May 14, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  
 40 days had passed since his brutally crushed body was raised from death and He appeared to His followers.  Some thought He was a ghost, others doubted it was Him.  In that short span of time, He proved that He truly had returned to them.  He continued to prepare them for the work they would eventually do by the power of the Holy Spirit.  He gave them the knowledge of how He had fulfilled the ancient prophesies regarding the Messiah.  God’s walk as a man had come to an end.  It was time for Him to return home.

Another of God’s mysteries was coming to pass.  Many would ask – if He was God why did He have to go through all the suffering – why didn’t God simply declare us saved – why did He have to come in physical form – He’s God after all.  None of it makes sense from a logical standpoint, but it was the only way that the curse of sin could be lifted.  The ransom had to be paid by the only One without sin – the unblemished lamb – the sinless Son of God – God Himself.

How wonderful for us to realize that our life doesn’t end when we breathe our last breath.  As a follower of the Son of God and Son of man, we have the assurance that we too will rise into heaven and will experience the perfection He originally planned for us!

Posted in Bible, Body of Christ, christian daily devotions, christianity, confidence, cross, eternity, Faith, God, Holy spirit, Jesus, Lamb of God, peace, redemption, Religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

THE HARVEST

Posted on May 13, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Like any gardener or farmer, I often grow impatient.   I want to see results within days of my planting. I soon remember that in this blogging world of ours, there are many seeds being planted each day.  The seeds don’t just pop out of the ground and become healthy, thriving, productive plants.  The process is slow and takes nurturing and tender care.

I know that I have a problem being patient.  I also have a problem with my confidence.  The devil likes to take advantage of those weaknesses and often puts weeds in my garden to choke out the seeds before they even have a chance to germinate.  I then realize that I am merely the seed thrower.  I don’t really have anything to do with the process once the seed is sown.  The rest is up to the Creator of all things living – God alone.

Lord, remind me that I am just the sower, scattering the seeds of your truth.  Your Spirit does the big stuff.  All I want is to let others know the joy I’ve experienced through your saving grace.  Amen!

Take my life and let it be
Consecrated, Lord, to Thee.
Take my moments and my days,
Let them flow in endless praise.

Take my hands and let them move
At the impulse of Thy love.
Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Take my voice and let me sing,
Always, only for my King.
Take my lips and let them be
Filled with messages from Thee.

Francis Havergal, 1874

Posted in Jesus, patience, Religion | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

LIVE IN ME

Posted on May 12, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Before each nerve was sewn, or breath of life inspired,

Before each muscle formed, or potter’s clay was fired,

He knew me even then.  His hand was on my heart,

He shaped me with His power.  With Him I’ll never part.
The years have withered me.  My body groans within,

To see how far we’ve fallen and dwell within our sin.

Though we have been forgiven, we falter every day,

Our faith has been diminished by things we do and say.


Still closely He remains.  He promises to stay.

Close by me as I limp through life! Refreshing me each day.

Assure me that your precious blood has paid for every sin,

And lead me to your heavenly gate where new life lies within.  

Posted in Bible, Christian devotions, Christian Poetry, confidence, courage, DAILY CHRISTIAN DEVOTION, Encouragement, Faith, forgiveness, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, prayer | Tagged , , , | Comments Off on LIVE IN ME

OLD LADY THOUGHTS

Posted on May 12, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Lately I’ve been feeling I should stop blogging – that maybe I’m just preaching to the choir, even though they need preaching to just as much as anyone.  I’ve wondered if ego has sometimes gotten in the way.  Do the words penned each day really help anyone or  are they simply words?  Am I looking for affirmation or am I doing this because I truly want the world to share in the joy of God’s salvation?  The older I get, the more I feel compelled to do this, and yet each day the question remains.

God’s Word has always been the best reference material for life.  You can discover anything you really need to know within it’s covers. It has a lot to say about old age too.  Psalm 71 is referred to as the prayer of an elderly person.  This plea for help from God,  to be with us until our dying day is still relevant.  In these words, we are assured of God’s constant presence in our lives.

Old age doesn’t mean the end of the road for a Christian, but the things we have learned mustn’t stay hidden in our hearts.  God wants us to pass them down from generation to generation.  The more I see of life and the evil that the devil permeates into the minds of people – filling them with thoughts of hate, self-indulgence and violence – the more I see a need for words of comfort to get out there.

In verse 6 of Psalm 71

“Upon you I have leaned from before my birth;
    you are he who took me from my mother’s womb.
My praise is continually of you.”

I  pray that God can use me in these final years of life.

Posted in aging, God, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

WHY ARE SO MANY SO ANGRY?

Posted on May 11, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

I went in for my annual physical this morning and while waiting, I heard a woman’s voice screaming at the top of her lungs.  At first it scared me, because I have seen video clips of people freaking out at their medical clinic and how medical workers are at risk of physical harm.

My first inclination was to get out of there, but then I realized the paper gown I was wearing would raise eyebrows.  Instead I remained seated having thoughts of how I would defend myself if the woman decided to come in my room.  I’m an old lady and very physically unfit, so nothing came to mind.  I thought about pushing the table in front of the door, but instead decided to pray.  I prayed for the poor woman who was having the tantrum.  How sad for her to feel so threatened in such a safe place.  I asked that God would bring her peace, because she obviously was in great need of it.  I also thanked him for protecting me and the others in the building, because it may have erupted into something more difficult.

Isn’t it a shame that we have resorted to anger, rage, explosion of tempers and sometimes violence to handle our problems?  Have we forgotten how to problem solve before things escalate out of control?  How do we bring the word respect back into our vocabulary?  Here are a few suggestions:

  • Parents, talk to your kids about working together with family members.
  • Have a project for them to put other’s needs before their own.
  • Have them learn the golden rule.
  • Teach them to pray for others – even their enemies.
  • Prepare them for how to deal with bullies.
  • Teach them to be willing to bend and compromise without caving in to their beliefs.
  • Being involved in sports or any other team activity will help them see the need for cooperation.
  • Give them a solid dependence on God, their Savior, by praying with them and getting them into the Word.
  • Let them know they are important to you and God, but that the world doesn’t revolve around them.
  • Teach them to have a servant’s heart – letting Jesus be their example.

Too many of us have forgotten that it’s our obligation as parents to give our kids the tools they need for life.  It doesn’t take much time to instill these values, but it can make a big difference.

Posted in anxiety, Bible, Bullying, christian daily devotions, christianity, church, compassion, courage, depression, Encouragement, Faith, families, fear, forgiveness, God, honor, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Jesus, motherhood, prayer, Religion, stress | Tagged , , , , | 4 Comments

I LOVE YOU, MOM

Posted on May 10, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  
My mom was my hero.  I gave her a run for her money and probably was the cause of her prematurely greying hair, but that didn’t deter her from taking anything she faced in life.  She didn’t hesitate to color those grey tresses well into her 80s.  Even though her hair turned white as snow, she maintained her beauty, because it ran deeper than any anti-aging cream or wrinkle remover.

She came from a large farm family so she knew something about sacrifice.  She also was one of the most compassionate women I’ve ever known.  She taught me how to encourage, listen, have faith, to never give up and was often my greatest advocate when life threw lemons my way.
She was the mom that believed that I was beautiful.  With her I always felt loved.  She had time for me – loved to hear my stories – cheered me when I was sick.
When she neared her 80th birthday, it was payback time.  She had become dependent on pain medication and could no longer live alone.  I saw her go through withdrawal, rebuilding and renewal.
We had six years to share as I turned into the caregiver and she grew more dependent.  It was as if our roles had reversed.  When the Lord finally called her to heaven, I was convinced that her work was done on this earth.  She was ready and willing to place her life in her Savior’s hands.
A mom is usually the first person to greet us when we enter this world, but her job doesn’t end there.  The years of nurturing, encouraging, making us know we could do anything we put our minds to and a constant and enduring love are the precious gifts they give us..  
I’m confident that God was waiting with open arms, exclaiming “Well done, good and faithful servant,” when she went to meet him.  I will always love you, mom and know we’ll be together again some day.  Until then – Happy Mother’s Day!

Posted in Bible, christian daily devotions, compassion, Encouragement, Faith, Family, goals, God, grace, honor, Inspiration, Jesus, Life, love, motherhood, parenting, Religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

AIRPORT TIME

Posted on May 8, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

i had some time on my trip back home to do a little people watching at the airport.  When you think about it, we kind of become captives of the airlines, because we either have to wait forever or we rush to make a connecting flight.  I’m not a seasoned airline passenger. In fact I rarely travel this way.  I rarely travel, but that’s a completely different story.  Here are a few things I noticed as I waited for my time to board:

  • A little tyke of about three, drops his stuffed monkey to the floor in exchange for a shiny penny he spies.  His dad picks up the monkey and they both depart with huge smiles on their faces.  
  • An adorable little girl mounts her daddy’s carry on and they wheel off to their destination.
  • A group of people maybe dreaming of making it big in the country music business, carry guitar cases and look slightly downcast.  I wonder how many dreams to succeed have been dashed.  
  • My seat was near the wing and I was reminded of the Twilight Zone episode in which a mentally disturbed man was convinced of seeing a person on the wing as the plane soared through the clouds. I had a two hour layover so had to find a way to stay awake.  There was plenty of time to people watch.
  • I ate the longest hot dog I’ve ever seen – a true Chicago chili cheese.  I know I’ll regret it.  
    There are so many people going in as many directions.  To most this might be a way of life, bustling through crowded airports.  I sympathize with them.  Haggard faces, tired bodies, rushing to a connecting flight.
  • On board the plane home.  We’re delayed due to weather.  Time to think of all kinds of possibilities.  An elderly gentlemen asks if he can use the rest room and the steward asks for the secret password.  A look of confusion creeps into his face as she opens the door for him.  I sit between a middle aged man who says nothing during the entire trip and a young girl not more than twenty who appears terrified as we finally take off.  Each bump through the clouds sends her on an emotional roller coaster.  We are told there is some weather in Minneapolis and we could be in for a rough ride.  
  • An attractive woman on the other side of the plane softly sings some spiritual song.  Her voice is as pure as an angel’s. 
  • A man opens his Bible and reads, followed by apparent silent prayers.  
  • I open my Bible app and follow suit.  

    We live in a world where it often seems we are miles apart from one another and then you observe things like this where strangers strike up conversations – you can actually see the stress in some of their eyes – you realize that we are all pretty much the same.  Humanity can some days seem cruel and heartless, but some of us share a common bond and then you see we are no different than one another.  As we departed the plane, a hefty older woman began to say, “God bless you!” As silent smiles revealed their appreciation.  Even though we can be made to believe that people don’t pay much attention to each other, we can rest in the fact that God is always with us, giving us His assurance all the way.

Posted in Chrisian daily devotions, Christian daily devotion, Chrstian daily devotions, Encouragement, Faith, Family, fear, God, God's plans, Inspiration, Jesus, Lamb of God, Life, parenting, Travel, Unity | 3 Comments

PRAY

Posted on May 7, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  

Do you ever wonder if your prayers are being heard or if they even matter?  When you think about it, there are over seven billion people in the world.  Not all of them pray, but if even half of them did, that’s an enormous amount of voices going up to God.  Why would my puny little words be heard?

My God is all knowing, always available and so powerful that even the smallest prayers are listened to and answered.  Now, more than ever, we need to join our voices as a nation and pray for a renewal of faith – not only in our God, but in each other.  We have drifted from the One who has all the answers and placed our trust in ourselves and things of this world.  

Lord, when you created the world your love was evident.  You continue to love your creation throughout all generations.  Our country is in crisis mode and we need you now more than ever.  You are the only one who can heal it.  As we come to you on this National Day of Prayer, remind us that despite the unrest, confusion and selfishness we often display, You are still in control of our destiny.  Give us the confidence to represent You and to follow the example of Jesus as He daily approached you in prayer.  Amen!

Posted in America, armor of God, Bible, christian daily devotions, Christian living, confidence, courage, Encouragement, Faith, God, government, grace, hope, Jesus, prayer, Religion | Tagged , , | Comments Off on PRAY

STEEL MAGNOLIAS

Posted on May 5, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

Soon we’ll celebrate Mothers Day and being with my sister for the last couple days has given me evidence of how important my own mom was to us.  I can see her in my sister’s beauty, her strong work ethic, her delightful personality and sense of humor – her emotional support of her family and her steely determination in all she does.  She has passed those things down to her daughter’s as I believe I have done with mine.  Those attributes come from a long line of steel magnolias on our family tree.
At the root of that tree, we have also been nourished with the living water of God.  He was there at our baptism as He filled us with the breath of His Holy Spirit.  He continued to prune away the dead branches which caused us to lose hope at times – to lack confidence – to wither and succumb to age and every day living.  He renewed us through the gift of His Son and continues to be at the helm when things get tough.
There will always be things to test us in this life, but when we allow God to work His plan, we can be assured of passing those tests. They are designed to make us stronger.
Thanks, mom, for the blessed gift of my sister.  Together we have inherited the best of both you and dad.  Thanks too for bringing us to faith so many years ago?   

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REJOICE!

Posted on May 3, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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LET’S TAKE A LOOK AT PARENTING

Posted on May 2, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Proverbs 29:15 – The rod and reproof give wisdom: but a child left [to himself] bringeth his mother to shame.

Today is Dr. Benjamin Spock’s birthday. This popular author of the 1960s became famous with his best selling book on childrearing.  His ideas were mind blowing to most older parents.  He suggested letting a child cry it out before picking them up and holding them.  He advocated more permissiveness  and not hard discipline such as spankings and scolding.  Up until that time, a spanking was not considered child abuse.

The 1960s were a time of permissiveness in many ways – with the acceptance of bad behavior as the norm.  There were protests every week over race, wars, feminism, sex and other issues.  That was 55 years ago and it seems times haven’t really changed much.

We still have racial issues.  Women have come a long way in the world of business, but are they satisfied?  Families have grown further apart.  Divorce has become normal.  The family unit has grown into blended or single parent families with dads that come and go like thieves in the night.  Wars continue, but they seem to be for different reasons.  We try to make friends of the world, but have forgotten our families in our efforts to satisfy ourselves or make ourselves look good to others.

My father had a tongue that cut deeper than any razor strop and endured many spankings growing up.  I didn’t need psycho analyzing for it.  My parents had problems with their marriage, but they stuck it out – they didn’t quit.

When a mother tries to defend her child or get him away from an unsafe situation and out of the clutches of a group of thugs, she will be accused of abusing her child.  I say she’s doing her job as a parent.

Happy birthday, Dr. Spock.  Your words changed the way people parent, but was it for the better?

Posted in America, Bible, Encouragement, Faith, families, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, morality, parenting, Religion | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

SECRET HIDING PLACE

Posted on May 1, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Do you still have a secret hiding place – a special place known only to you where you can find complete aloneness?  When we’re children we may find a place that’s just perfect.  It’s your special place, reserved for that game when everyone is searching you out, but they’ll never in a million years be able to find you – until they eventually do and then the process of finding a new spot is necessary.

As we grow older, we realize we have run out of hiding places – especially when it comes with our relationship with God.  We may think we’re hidden, but He knows exactly where we are at every moment – in our temptation, our fears, our sadness and loss, our desperation, and the times we feel alone.  We may be able to escape the world for a time, but God will always find us.

When I was a child, the thought of someone watching my every move and knowing my every thought was daunting, but as I’ve grown old, it’s a comfort to know that He’s available at any moment.  He’s within my breathing, He operates the beating of my heart, He controls the workings of my brain.  What an awesome thought to know that the Creator of all things is watching over me.

Dear Father, God, from the moment of my conception and even before, you knew me.  You placed your spirit in me when I was baptized and the compassion you show through your own flesh and blood insures me that I have found my true hiding place in you.  Thanks and praise for your unending protection.  Amen!

Posted in anxiety, Bible, Encouragement, eternity, Faith, God, hope, Inspiration, Jesus, Religion | Tagged , , , | 4 Comments