WHEN WE WERE YOUNG . . .

Posted on August 17, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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ART BY PAUL BOECHER “TIL WE MEET AGAIN” ©

Another day – another time.  We were young and the world seemed so exciting and new.  We found each other in this magic place so many years ago and our lives were joined from that moment on.  Hidden away in the bluffs of a charming little river town, it was a gem just waiting to be discovered.  The old beater of a truck seemed like a limousine and the path to Casanova’s awakened a love that’s lasted a lifetime.  The artist and the writer journeying into life unknown with no fear.

KATHY BOECHER©

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IN CHRIST ALONE

Posted on August 16, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

ByFaithAlone-Netbook

I wonder if we can ever be perfect, just like Jesus was.  We say we’re Christians, but still we often stand in judgment of others.  I don’t think we’ll ever achieve perfection on this side of eternity.  Even though Jesus died for every sin – past, present and future – that doesn’t mean we’ll never sin again.

Being a Christian doesn’t mean our lives won’t be without detours or bumps in the road.  We’re told that we’ll have crosses to carry.  We’re not guaranteed a life free from anxious moments, fear or even death.

Every time I hear the struggles between Christian churches, it saddens me.  The Bible is our connection with our Creator.  It was given to us as a guide for living the Christian life.  Unfortunately many stray from the truth of the Word and go in their own direction.  For some it might bend towards doing good deeds.  Some may say that not every word is true or accurate.  Some believe only one translation is the truth.  Many discount the miraculous deeds of the Old Testament as myths and story telling.  Some will even bend the scriptures to fit their own interpretation to something they don’t agree with.

When human reason gets in the way of God’s truth, there will be division.  His message to us is less complicated than we make it.  By the disobedience of God’s first people, we’ve  inherited sin and in order to be made right with God, there needs to be restitution – a perfect, sinless offering which comes only from God Himself.  Nothing we do – good works, self-deprivation, money or giving up everything for Christ’s work will save us.  It’s only by the precious blood shed by God Himself that redeems us.  His resurrection secures our future in eternity.  Because He lives, we’ll continue to live after death.

Sounds too simple, doesn’t it.  We can’t help wondering – what’s the catch – what do we need to do?  There is no catch.  All God wants from us is our complete trust in Him.  Our faith is the only requirement and, by the way, even that is a gift from the Holy Spirit.

Because of this marvelous thing He’s done for us, we can’t help but be grateful for the gift He’s given us.  Thus our lives change.  We learn to live as Jesus did by being a servant to others, by loving others as ourselves, by sharing the Gospel message, by walking away from the sins that have plagued us for so long.

Why do we feel we have to put our own spin on this?  The truth is clear.

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I AM JESUS LITTLE LAMB

Posted on August 11, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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To most of us, sheep don’t seem especially bright.  In fact they move in herds, because if  left alone they’ll surely stray and walk straight into a dangerous situation.  We are often led as sheep to the slaughter by those who would deceive and mislead us.  I won’t get into politics here, but we have grown to be a nation of sheep in many ways.

We may think of sheep as cute and cuddly, but they get tangled in barbed wire, get dirty, their wool can grow out of control, they’re be bothered by pesky insects and they need a leader.  Many consider them stupid beasts with no sense of direction..

Jesus spoke these words to His disciples, “Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be ye therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves.” Matthew 10:16.  This was said to prepare them for the persecution they would face in spreading His good news.

We also need to be prepared to defend our faith at times.  The only sure defense is the Word which God gave us.  The words of the Bible are direct guidance from Him for our lives.  He remains our shepherd in life and leads us to the green pastures of eternity.  We can count on it because He is the Good Shepherd.

I am Jesus’ little lamb,
Ever glad at heart I am;
For my Shepherd gently guides me,
Knows my need, and well provides me,
Loves me every day the same,
Even calls me by my name.

Day by day, at home, away,
Jesus is my Staff and Stay.
When I hunger, Jesus feeds me,
Into pleasant pastures leads me;
When I thirst, He bids me go
Where the quiet waters flow.

Who so happy as I am,
Even now the Shepherd’s lamb?
And when my short life is ended,
By His angel host attended,
He shall fold me to His breast,
There within His arms to rest.

by Henrietta L. von Hayn, 1724-1782

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MY HERO

Posted on August 10, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Young girls often have a vision of a knight in shining armor coming to rescue them from the villainy of an evil tyrant and carrying them off to a kingdom that is perfectly free from trouble and sadness.  As we grow up, we soon discover that those days of chivalry are long gone and that we may have to fight our own battles in life.

Today we see that thread being woven into the fabric of our lives with “reality” TV.  It’s in our nature to want perfection.  We want bodies free from wrinkles, flab and pain.  We want hair with full body and luster – some of us just want hair.   We want jobs that will supply a steady, comfortable living – some crave a job simply to pay the bills.  We want healthy relationships, respect and success.

We often look in all the wrong places for these things.  Many times we look within ourselves and believe we can do it all alone. God’s plan for our future is so much easier. The time we spend on earth is just a moment in the greater scheme of things.

2 Timothy 4:18, “The Lord will rescue me from every evil deed and bring me safely into his heavenly kingdom. To him be the glory forever and ever. Amen.”

Lord, Jesus, keep my eyes focused on you. You provide the answer for all my life’s problems. You are my only true hero.

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BUILT ON A ROCK

Posted on August 7, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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ARTWORK BY PAUL BOECHER© At Stillwater, Minnesota

Steeples line the nooks and crannies of a hilltop, reaching to God Almighty in His holy sanctuary,

Houses planted deeply in the ground have a sure foundation.  The wind blows and the waters rise, but they will not be overcome.

They have been built on solid ground.

KATHY BOECHER©

Luke 6:47-48 “ Whosoever cometh to me, and heareth my sayings, and doeth them, I will shew you to whom he is like: He is like a man which built an house, and digged deep, and laid the foundation on a rock: and when the flood arose, the stream beat vehemently upon that house, and could not shake it: for it was founded upon a rock.

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RESTING IN HIS ARMS

Posted on August 6, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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ART WORK BY PAUL BOECHER©

Though the winds blow and the seas become enraged,

All it takes is one word from the Almighty to calm the angry waters.

The storms we face each day can be quieted in just this way,

All we need to do is call on His name,

His hands will cradle us closely to his heart,

The peace that radiates from His breath will comfort and encourage.

His staunch protection will fend off any adversary.

He is the great I AM – yesterday, today and tomorrow!

KATHY BOECHER©

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NO MORE TEARS

Posted on August 5, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

revelation-21-4

I’ve reached a point in my life where many of my friends are being released from their pain here on earth and have passed into heaven.  It’s tough to see those we care about leaving this life.  It not only reminds us of our own mortality, but we selfishly want to hang onto them for as long as possible.

Our lives matter.  We’re born with little wrinkled bodies, kicking and screaming and we often leave in much the same way.  God gives us this time on earth as a period of grace where can experience just an inkling of what lies ahead.  We also experience emotional and physical suffering during our lives.  We feel the pain of a scraped knee – a broken heart – betrayal – fear – anger.  We also learn what love is and how sharing yourself with another can make your heart soar.  We live through trials every day, but we reach successes as well.

When most of us reach the end of life,  we may become anxious for it to end the pain we suffer or the natural decaying of our bodies, but we all have a purpose for being here.  God has a plan for each one of us and when that plan has been fulfilled, He has an even greater outcome for those who put their trust in Him.

Life here on earth is just the beginning.  What a glorious place we have waiting for us.  Thank you, Lord, for giving me this life to share your great news with others and for your promise of eternity in eternity.  Death no longer has dominion over me.  Amen!

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GOD’S CRAFTSMANSHIP

Posted on August 4, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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ART WORK BY PAUL BOECHER©

My husband and I were high school sweethearts.  We took an art class on sculpture together.  Everyone had a chunk of plaster which we were to form into something – everyone except my husband.  He stood before a large piece of limestone with chisel and mallet in hand, prepared with protective eye and ear gear, to tackle this piece of stone.  He had to be separated from the rest of the class, because of the dust created by the meticulous carving necessary to bring form from a lifeless slab.

My piece wound up looking like a chunk of plaster with eyes.  His, on the other hand, was something else.  That piece of solid rock was transformed into the head of a ram – complete with horns.  He has continued to create master works throughout his life and each one seems better than the last.  The ram is still in our home and each time I look at it, I’m amazed at the craftsmanship.

When God creates something just imagine the result.  In the Bible He tells His prophet Jeremiah to look at the work of a potter and says,

“Can I not do with you, Israel, as this potter does. Like clay in the hand of the potter, so are you in my hand, Israel .” Jer 18:6

God holds us right in the palm of his hand  and is shaping and reshaping us every day.  He molds us with each problem that we face.  He fills our life with things that will refine us and prepare us for eternity.  He designs our future and it’s always for our good.  Why not place yourself in His masterful hands?  He has wonderful plans for you.

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GUILT

Posted on August 3, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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Guilt hangs on us like a heavy weight.  Sometimes it manifests itself in the way we live, think and relate to others.  Here’s an example – though not a serious offense, it crept into my dreams and convicted me.

We had a large bird feeder in our backyard that I was constantly filling, because a group of squirrels had made it their cafeteria.  Finally, in frustration, I got out my husband’s pellet gun, I took aim and shot.  It was a gut wrenching experience.  I’d never fired  a weapon in my life.  Besides, the poor squirrel was just as hungry as the birds, but I still felt compelled to protect my territory.  As I released the trigger, everything happened in slow motion . . . I could see the pellet make its way through the air and hit the helpless critter.  He held out his front paws and dramatically fell to the ground.  My heart fell with it.  What had I done?  I killed a living thing.  Soon the stunned animal scurried off into the woods, but not without wounding my heart.

That night, as I slept, memories of the incident invaded my dreams.  I was seated atop the bird feeder and hundreds of squirrels were circling me and firing pellet guns – an amusing story, but full of truth on how sin can overcome us.

The sins of every day should convict and bring us to our knee in repentance before the Lord.  We often sin without even realizing it.  We sin in words, deeds and actions, but God is eager to receive us, when we come to Him with true sorrow and ask for forgiveness and then leave our sin behind us.

Growing as a Christian is a constant work in progress and continues until our last breath.  Thank God for His saving grace.  He has given us the victory.

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MIXED MESSAGES

Posted on August 1, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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It seems that every day we’re inundated with mixed messages.  Liberals and Conservatives – anti-gays and gay rights – follow the law or do your own thing – pro-life and pro-choice – talk radio and TV shows which have their own agenda (usually opposing each other) – belief in God or no belief whatsoever – good vs. evil.  The list goes on ad infinitum.  We are daily bombarded with too much information, and often make judgments based in the moment.

There’s only one thing that makes sense in this world of confusion and bewilderment.  We need something that’s consistent – that never waivers – that is unchangeable.  We can turn to God for that unfailing truth.  His Word clearly states that He never changes.  He is always the same.

Hebrews 13:8 – Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

The world rattles and rails against itself.  The news of the day riles the masses.  All kinds of emotions are stirred.  It’s time to get back into God’s Word.

When we can’t take the din of the world any longer, it’s time to turn to the only One who never changes.  We can count on Him to bring us peace.

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YIKES! ANOTHER KATHY RANT

Posted on July 31, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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The internet is amazing tool.  You can find information in the blink of an eye.  You can spend hours absorbing information and drawing your own conclusions .

It also has  a dark side – when a news item can be blown totally out of proportion.  A story like that appeared this week and blossomed into an international tirade.  A man on a guided hunt has been put out of business because of it.  His employees no longer have jobs.  His family and his history has been under scrutiny.

One activist group can stir up so much damage while another group. which supports human life, goes largely unheard. It’s inconceivable.

When things flare up politically – like a couple of Republicans taking a stand against the establishment – the media begins to divert attention to something that has no real value – something that will enrage, anger or stir up the people so they don’t think about the issues at hand.  We are all guilty of becoming part of the sheep herd.

Our country is at a crossroads.  We’re already inundated with political rhetoric, a congress that doesn’t get anything done and leadership that has become more like a monarchy than a democracy.  Our freedoms are being spat upon along with the Constitution which was designed to disable the nonsense going on in Washington today.

We’ve always been a Christian nation, despite what our president says, and it’s time we start acting like one.  Christians as well as their churches must take a stand.  We can’t simply sit on the fence and do nothing.

Our prayers will provide God’s intervention, but our words and actions are needed to inspire the battle.  America has always stood on its trust in God.  We must become that again and the only way it will happen is to ask God to heal our land.

When scandal comes out, another story is spun by the almighty internet to divert our attention.

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I’M OFFENDED BY THOSE WHO ARE OFFENDED …

Posted on July 30, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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When my husband worked as an archery instructor, part of his job was to teach the rules of safety. As he was about to instruct an immigrant woman and her children, he explained the proper way to shoot without becoming injured. The children didn’t seem to understand, so he asked if they spoke English. She retorted, “I am offended by that.” She continued to repeat this statement throughout their conversation. He politely tried to explain that his words were for their safety and the safety of others, but she continued to be argumentative.

That along with several other incidents lately, has me thinking of how over politically correct we are. It seems “I’m offended by that” is the most common expression floating around Washington – in schools – in the work place and even in our churches.

What exactly does it mean to be offended? The dictionary says it is a breach of law or rule. It’s  also an annoyance, anger or resentment.

Are we no longer able to express our feelings, state our beliefs or even try to make sure we are clear with our words? Must we walk on eggs all the time while interacting with people of different cultures, students, customers, fellow Christians? Have we become so angry, resentful and ticked off that we’ve forgotten how to be kind, forgiving and loving?

We need to be careful with our tongues. It’s one of the strongest muscles in our body, but   it doesn’t seem to matter what you say anymore. Chances are you are going to offend someone.

God wants us to live in harmony with each other. To me, this phrase is just another of the devil’s ploys to get control of us. He’s working hard, because he knows his time is running out. Ooops, I’ll bet I offended someone by saying that.

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WALKING IN THE SHOES OF A TWEEN

Posted on July 28, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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It’s been over sixty years since I donned my first pair of saddle shoes and poodle skirt. Years have melted away, but a few days with my almost thirteen year old granddaughter,  have caused me to realize that we have a lot in common.

Tween years are like awakening the caccoon and releasing the butterfly. It’s a life filled with extremes – playing with Barbies or wanting to snag a date. Going from carefree to making the right choices –  thinking you know more than those who care for you – feeling invincible and having no fear except for spiders and strange sounds in the night –  laughing your head off one minute and crying like a baby the next – watching your body go through changes on a daily basis.

To top it all off, you’re living in a world where anything goes. Morality means taking birth control pills so you don’t have to endure an unplanned pregnancy. Going to church is outdated. Parents are spread too thin to spend time talking or doing things with their children.  It’s a fearful time in an uncertain world.

Come to think of it, I’m beginning a new chapter in my life too. It’s called old age and many of the symptoms are like those of my granddaughter. For example, I often feel caccooned. Some days I suffer with being too warm, while others require more  layers. I love doing silly things that my contemporaries find childish, but I’m not yet ready to kick the bucket. I think I know more than those younger than me, but I still have a lot to learn. I look in the mirror expecting to see my radiant smile, only to be greeted by my mom’s reflection.  I go to bed wondering how I got through the day and rise with renewed zeal most of the time.

Life is a roller coaster, particularly during pivotal stages, but we get through it pretty much unscathed.  The human spirit – created by God Himself – is an amazing equalizer. We are fearfully and wonderfully made, even when our lives change.

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WOMAN OF THE NIGHT

Posted on July 27, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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It wasn’t unusual for men to knock on my door in the middle of the night.   It had become a welcome mat for as long as I can remember.  I wasn’t proud of my lifestyle.  It ate away at me both day and night.  Still it seemed the only way for me to keep my family alive.

There was an endless need for what I had to offer.  The world is so full of ugliness, what difference would one more sinner make?  As a child I thought someday a rich man would marry me and take me to his palace, but the odds of that happening have long since dwindled.

When those two came to my door, in the secrecy of night,  I didn’t expect them to be from the mighty nation of Israel.  Word of their exploits had not gone unnoticed in Jericho.  Even the strongest of our men was reduced to rubble at the mention of their names.

I  trembled at the sight of them,  but there was something different.  They possessed an unfamiliar determination.  They hadn’t come to me that night, expecting what other men desired.  All they wanted was information about Jericho’s military strength.

It wasn’t long before soldiers came searching for them.  Something told me to expose the spies immediately, but another voice crept into my mind compelling me to hide them.  I was then told my family and I would be spared when they invaded the city- a reward for my silence.

When the day came, I didn’t see an enemy attack Jericho.  I saw men of valor with a faith in a god I didn’t know. It was then that my life really changed.  I would no longer be a slave to the flesh – now I would adore the God of Israel.

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LORD, GIVE ME STRENGTH

Posted on July 25, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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I just completed a marathon week of drama.  We held a summer theater enrichment program to a group of kids from 7 – 12.  There was not only drama instruction and music, but there was a fair amount of actual drama as the week progressed.  Day one evoked a day of quiet, unsure little people, trying to figure out how they fit into the group.  Tuesday they seemed a little more confident, but by Friday they had become a cohesive group, working together for the good of the group.

What fun to see how even little ones can become a team with one goal in mind – getting the job done and doing it to the best of their ability – which by the way was amazing.  Within less than five days they had learned three songs with choreography – a short script of memorized lines – how to flesh out a character and be believable in presenting to an audience.

I’ve been doing this for a number of summers and each year it becomes physically harder for me, but something energizes me throughout the week.  The children themselves have the ability to do that, but it’s really so much more.  I believe that God is in control of everything I do and He’s at my side – encouraging me, supporting me when I get tired and giving me the right stuff to pass along to those to whom I’ve been entrusted.   Without His guiding hand, I would lose heart quickly, because my old body often grows weary.  With Him, I’m provided just enough gusto to make it through the week.

When you feel you can’t take another step or that you’ve just spent every ounce of energy you can, ask God for His help.  With Him all things are possible!  Now I’m going to take a week to rest.

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GOD RESTED

Posted on July 19, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  
He rested, but He’s always available!

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LADY IN WHITE

Posted on July 18, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

  
Art by Paul Boecher©

A murky expanse of vegetation – branches arching and bending to fill themselves with nourishment – the morning dew glistens as fingers of light pierce through the emerald temple. Shades of yellow and gold mingle and play upon the swamp. Every shade of green caresses the glistening mosaic. Life begins to sing a melody that only God can inspire. A spotlight falls upon a lone egret as she wets her feet. The stage is set. The star has arrived!

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DATELINE JULY 18, 64 AD

Posted on July 18, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

 

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It was a steamy summer night in the city of Rome.  The wind picked up, bringing some relief, but before the night was over a large portion of the city was engulfed in flames.  It started in the poorest part of town, where the merchants set up their wares each day.  It didn’t take long for the fire to spread through the wooden marketplace.  With encouragement from the wind, it spread quickly and destroyed almost 70% of Rome.

Rumors spread that the emperor, Nero, was responsible for the disaster.  Did he actually give the order or start the fire himself?  Was it true that he sat on the balcony of his palace, fiddling away as the city was consumed?  It was reported that Nero hated the ugliness which had infected the majesty of his town and dreamed of creating a more beautiful Rome – with his name attached to it.

Nero needed someone to blame and the perfect scapegoat would be the Christians.  Their beliefs were infiltrating Rome like the wildfire that spread that night.  In order to satisfy the rumors about him, the Christians were taken to the amphitheater and fed to the lions.

There was no truth to the fact that Nero fiddled while his city burned.  In fact, he sent his troops to assist in dousing the flames.  He also invited the victims to take refuge in his palace.  He was not playing a fiddle as is often depicted – he was known for his talent on the lyre – the fiddle had not even yet been invented.  There was truth in the fact that Christians would now become the object of even greater persecution.

So the media doesn’t always get it right.  Some things never change!

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THE LIFE OF AN ARTIST

Posted on July 16, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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An artist is a unique human being, often spending years learning their craft, perfecting and making a living at it. Unfortunately, the artist is up against much competition and most of them aren’t acknowledged for their work until they die.

You must continue to invest in supplies. You market yourself, compete in art shows, spend hours, money and creative energy to get noticed. If you’re fortunate, you may sell something. Without art, our walls would be bare, the creative vision they possess would never be seen and the beauty of creative expression would become a thing of
the past.  Art can also define a civilization.

John F. Kennedy once said, “I am certain that after the dust of centuries has passed over our cities, we, too, will be remembered not for victories or defeats in battle or in politics, but for our contribution to the human spirit.”

During WWII, Hitler, who was turned down as a student of the Vienna Academy of Fine Arts, had his forces confiscate or steal magnificent works of art to be used for his own pleasure or to be destroyed if he felt it was decadent or abstract.  Some 70 years ago, the now famous Monument Men rescued a large portion of these priceless treasures.

I’m proud to say that my husband is an artist.  Many look at his work with admiration, but they have no idea how long it took to get to this point.  His body of work is huge and someday will be the legacy he leaves our children.  In the meantime, we both press on, knowing that our creative endeavors are a gift from God – a means for us to express our gratitude for what He’s done for us.

Here’s a small sampling of some of his work.

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TEN MANNERS TO TEACH YOUR CHILDREN

Posted on July 15, 2015 by atimetoshare.me

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I’m going to preface this post with the fact that I’ve lived seven decades and I’ve not only seen a moral degeneration over the years, but I’ve seen some of the most basic manners  disappear from society.  Most children are taught to say, “please and thank you,” they know to cover their mouths when they cough, but with the dawn of the electronic age, some of the simplest courtesies have been lost to texting, tweeting or social media.  I’ve listed ten easy ways for you and your children to be more interactive.

  • Children need boundaries.  You’re not their friend.  You’re their parent – their role model – their hero.  Take your job seriously.
  • Limit the time spent on electronics.  Show them there are other ways to communicate.  Meals and time spent traveling from one event to another are perfect opportunities to talk.
  • Teach them to respect others. They should look up to those in authority – this reaches far beyond the home.  I’m talking about teachers, grandparents, the police, pastors, politicians and other kids.  Everyone matters in this world.
  • Be kind by being unselfish, caring, thoughtful and sincere.  Some of your child’s lifetime friendships will be formed with this attitude.
  • Solve problems in an logical way, without resorting to anger or violence.
  • Don’t go to bed angry.
  • Pray with them.
  • Be a good example.
  • Teach them the simple things – courtesy – waiting for others to be seated before eating – not speaking badly of others –  look someone in the eye when talking to them –  shake hands firmly – say excuse me – all those simple things that have been missing from society for a long time.
  • Love one another as God first loved us.

This is just the beginning.   The Golden Rule states, “Do unto others as you would have them do to you.”  Here’s ten more that state God’s expectations for us.

10-commandments

Even though we’ve become a very casual society, our kids need to be taught how to relate to others in all settings.  The Ten Commandments were carved in stone so they should be engrained in our hearts as well.

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