HERE COMES THE BRIDE!

Posted on September 16, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

marriageWhen we begin our lives as Christians, we are actually entering a marriage with Jesus.  We are committing our lives to Him. We are vowing to live our lives according to His ways.  We are promising to love Him forever. He often refers to Himself as the Bridegroom.

When we go into marriage, our eyes may be glazed over by the beauty of the ceremony, the lovely reception, the flowers and the joy that permeates every inch of the sanctuary. After the honeymoon, reality sets in and you realize you are beginning one of the most difficult (yet most rewarding) journeys of your life.

We don’t enter marriage thinking of ending it, though today it seems easy to walk away from our problems rather than facing them and working them out. Have we forgotten that marriage means loving someone as you love yourself? Has the idea of serving another become so outdated that it isn’t in the marriage package anymore? Do we find it easier these days to have a “trial” marriage before actually making a life-long commitment – kind of like a test drive?

Marriage, like our walk with Jesus, is a great blessing. It is the joining of three entities into one – a man, woman and God as the head of them. When we look at it that way, we are honoring each other and the God that created us.

In the next few days I will be talking a lot about this subject. Soon my husband and I will be celebrating 50 years of marriage. I would be lying if I said it was smooth sailing all the way. A marriage only lasts that long, because of commitment, faith, hope, unconditional love, trust, and placing God at the top of your priority list. He promises to bless such a marriage and He has truly done that with mine.

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BOUND FOR A NEW WORLD

Posted on September 15, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

mayflower

There were 102 on board the small sailing vessels. Half of them had tired of the corruption in the Church of England and were bound for a new life where they could worship as they pleased; while half of them were eager to invest their time and money into a fledgling country that showed great promise. Each had no idea what was in store for them, but they pursued their dreams with determination, courage and hope. On September 15, 1620, the Mayflower set sail for Virginia, but was blown off course and wound up in what is today Massachusetts.

Our country has changed tremendously over the past 400 years, but many of the core values still exist. Sometimes it may seem that we have come full circle and should start looking for a new place to settle – a place without corruption – a community where we can begin again – a new Eden where God is still alive and active in the lives of His people.

We tend to think, in light of current events, that there aren’t many left who believe as we do. We might even believe we are a huge minority. On the outside, our world is a nasty place, but there is still more than a remnant of those who love God. I see that every day as I read the many writings of fellow Christians. It rekindles the same kind of hope, determination and courage these early pilgrims had to push them forward.

I believe that God is very much alive and He is available to us wherever we travel in life. When the world is crumbling around us, we can depend on Him to carry us over the rough seas that overtake us from time to time. All we have to do is believe in Him. It’s so simple and yet so very difficult for some.

Lord, help us to realize that you are the Captain of our journey through life. You are at the wheel and in control – guiding us, protecting us, refining us and leading us to our final destination. Give us the assurance that our pilgrimage here on earth is temporary and that we can look forward to an eternity in your paradise.  Amen!

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ALL I NEED IS YOU!

Posted on September 14, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

God-Doesnt-Want-Something-From-Us

It’s hard for us to understand someone who keeps on giving, without expecting something in return.  We have grown accustomed to a selfish, me-motivated world.

Unfortunately as soon as we leave God out of the equation, we fail to come up with the right answers for the most difficult tests in life.  Maybe our prayers aren’t being answered right away.  We might not be getting the answers we want.  We may be asking for things that would bring us pain.  Isn’t it true that a teacher is often quiet during a test?  It isn’t that they want us to fail – they want us to put our full concentration on the work that needs to be done.

We aren’t making a deal with God when we pray.  When we place our confidence in Him we are allowing Him to bless us completely.  He will guide us through our daily walk.  He will hold our hands and keeps us from stumbling.  He will carry us when the burdens become too hard to bear.

God is our Father.  He cares about His children with a love that we can’t begin to comprehend.  It’s so easy, isn’t it?  All we have to do is give our hearts to Him and be consumed with His love and then share that love with others.

Lord, I need to let go of the cares that eat away at my faith.  I need to trust that you will always be there to hear my prayers and answer them in your way.  You know what’s best for me, so help me to trust in your bountiful care.  Amen!

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IGNORANCE IS BLISS

Posted on September 13, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

calvin-and-hobbes-its-true-hobbes-ignorance-is-bliss

Yesterday I kind of blew my stack when I discussed being offended.  Sometimes it’s better to just not know all the ugly stuff going on in this world.  Sometimes it’s better to be blissfully ignorant.  Well – not really!

God wants us to be watchful.  He wants us to know the evil that inhabits our planet.  It’s a good thing to know your enemy so you know how to combat him.  It’s also good to be vigilant and stand up for your beliefs.

As soon as we let our guard down, the enemy weasels his way into our thinking, our way of life, our politics, our very existence.  It is our duty as Christians to be educated in the ways of the world.

Luke 21:36  “Be always on the watch, and pray that you may be able to escape all that is about to happen, and that you may be able to stand before the Son of Man.”
but also to be learned in the ways of the Lord.”

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I’M OFFENDED!

Posted on September 12, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

I am getting really sick of it! I’m tired of hearing that my country’s flag has become offensive to some. I’m overwhelmed that some are offended by my lack of understanding of sexual immorality. I’m disgusted that just about everything that is based on Christianity is frowned upon. I grow weary with the idea of being tolerant has taken on a whole new meaning in today’s world. I’m beleaguered by the fact that everyone else can be offended except for those of us who hold tight to Judaeo Christian values.

It all started insidiously slow. I think it began when Madeline Murray O’Hair filed a lawsuit in 1963 against Bible reading in public schools. Her newly formed Atheist movement was already infiltrating America and eating away at so much of what America believed and stood for.

Today we must walk on eggshells so we don’t offend anyone, but what about those of us who are offended by the new morality or lack thereof?What about those of us who still believe that those entering our borders legally or illegally, should learn to speak our language, go about obtaining citizenship according to the constitution, abide by our laws, not take advantage of “the system” and above all act like Americans – not building little replicas of their former homelands.

We are a nation of blended ethnicities and denominations which has always worked before because people used to have value and opportunities they just don’t have today. We are still capable of doing great things as a united nation, but that comes from mutual trust and understanding.

I have tried to quiet my voice on this topic, but my patience is running out and I believe someone once said, “beware the wrath of a patient man (or woman.) I get offended when I can’t mention my Savior’s name. I get upset when my elected officials can’t seem to get their work done. I’m offended when I have to be tolerant of every kind of behavior out there. I feel discriminated against because I’m white and because I’m old.

Jesus tells us to turn the other cheek and to trust in Him above all things. That is the only thing that allows me to have tolerance; but there are days when I’m just sick of it!

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BEHIND CLOSED DOORS

Posted on September 12, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Seeking-Jesus-Christ-Good-News-Gospel-Cross1

Every day we are exposed to the evil that contaminates our world.  What goes on behind closed doors is often disgusting, appalling, pitiful, inhumane and full of hatred.

As I look at news events I read about a home in Blackstone, Mass. where three dead infants are found amidst a sea of filth and vermin.  Four others are alive but are living their childhood in despicable conditions and who knows what they have to face each day.

A man in Minneapolis is found dead from fatal stab wounds after having an argument with another – an argument!

A football player brutally roughs up his girlfriend in an elevator and drags her unconscious body to his hotel room.

Further from home we see our own people being decapitated – Children being mass murdered – Christians being persecuted and killed for their beliefs.

It seems like the end of the world must be coming soon.  The signs of the end times are growing clearer every day.  Unfortunately this sort of behavior isn’t new.  It has been going on since the fall of man into sin.

It seems each generation becomes more and more depraved, but does it?  Sin is sin and it probably isn’t much different than it was way back when – we just live in a world where everything is immediate – including the ugly side of life.  There are videos of these ugly events which in a flash go viral. We have a front row seat to every kind of dastardly behavior out there.

Instead of complaining about it – or ignoring it – or shaking our heads –  we should be doing something about it.  We have the perfect opportunity right now in our time to share a better way to live to those who are hurting – who have suffered abuse – are living in hopeless conditions – are dying before their time.

These same tools (the media and the internet) which bring us the open knowledge of what is happening day by day, can be used to bring relief and comfort to the world.  It’s the soothing balm of God’s wonderful message for our lives.  We have it right at our finger tips.

START SPREADING THE GOOD NEWS!

 

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, parenting, reflections, Technology and Kids | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments

DOES BEING A CHRISTIAN GUARANTEE A PERFECT LIFE?

Posted on September 10, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

I have moments when I get depressed and anxious.  At times I ask God, why are certain things happening to me?  Why are there still problems, sickness, confusion, fears?   Why do I try to measure up to someone else – why must we suffer?   Why – why – why?

Looking at the events in the world it seems that Satan is winning.  Everything is spinning out of control.  We’re at a point in history when many have given up on our government. We think there is no hope.  Pills are dispensed to give us a better outlook on life and to help us cope.

When you’re a Christian your supposed to believe that God has a purpose for your suffering.  Satan uses these words on us daily, to make us feel unworthy, lacking faith, not having complete trust. Some days I just want to  throw in the towel.  I often feel that my faith is crumbling – that I’m not praying enough – that God isn’t listening anymore.

The truth is that God is doing some of His greatest work when He allows us to go through trials.  He is molding us into stronger individuals – increasing our mettle – building our character.  Those are inspiring words, but our human nature tells us that if God loves us, He should be blessing our lives not cursing them.

We tend to play the blame game too often and sometimes put the blame on God Himself.  If we were to get what we truly deserve, we would all be spending eternity in hell.

I have seen so much good come from the adversities in my life.  I can’t help but believe that there is a purpose for all things – even the bad stuff.  Instead of complaining, let’s thank God for the problems that plague us daily, because through them, He is showing His enduring love for us.

Romans 8:28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

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TEN REASONS TO CELEBRATE GRANDPARENTS

Posted on September 7, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

GrandparentsDay2-1

Today is National Grandparent’s Day.  There isn’t nearly as much hullabaloo as occurs on Mother’s or Father’s Day, but grandparents can play an important role in your child’s life.  I have compiled a list of ten reasons why :

  • They love your children unconditionally.
  • They give  their love first, their wisdom second and stuff third.
  • They have time to spend with them which they didn’t have when you were growing up.
  • They listen to them.
  • They believe your children are the most amazing thing you’ve ever done.
  • They teach, share and have confidence in them.
  • They pray for your children.
  • They believe that your children will accomplish great things.
  • They give every last ounce of energy they have to spend time with them.
  • They enjoy their company.

It’s a great blessing to be a grandparent.  You get to see your children through your grandchildren.  You  see many of the things you missed because you were too busy, too involved in creating the perfect life for them or just plain too tired.  God gives us that second chance just like He gives us a second chance to live in eternity with Him.

My granddaughter said it best on a handmade Christmas card she gave me a couple years ago.  “You’re the best grandma – on my mother’s side.”  She has always been an equal opportunity grandchild.

So to all you grandparents out there – enjoy this day.  It’s your second chance to be a parent for a little while again.  The best part of it is you can always return them at the end of the day.

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, parenting, Religion, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

HAS AMERICA CHANGED SINCE 9/11?

Posted on September 6, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Psalm-10-17-18

We’re coming up on the 13th anniversary of one of the most horrific attacks on America within her borders.  To many of us it was a day we will never forget.  To some of us – it’s just a sad memory.  To those who were not yet born, it’s just a day in history.  To most Americans it was a day that brought us together briefly as a nation.

That horrible tragedy was a wake-up call for our nation.  We thought we were invincible – that our borders were secure – that we were the most powerful nation in the world.  We were wrong.  Something happened on that day that goes much deeper than the loss of many lives and the never ending sorrow for those they left behind.

I remember driving in my car that day with a feeling of insecurity.  The freedom that had always abounded in my country was suddenly snatched away.  I became suspicious.  I feared that this was just the beginning.  I began to look at people differently.  My level of trust waned.

Here it is – only 13 years later – and our nation’s patriotism has once again gone stagnant.  We don’t always trust our own government.  We look at people who are different than us with suspicion in the back of our minds.  We have become even more self-indulgent as a nation than we were before.  We live in an anything goes society with respect to morality.  We have been told to accept every kind of behavior without question or we are guilty of profiling or being politically incorrect.

One memory of that day still lingers in my mind.  We had a special service at our church that night to pray for those lost and for our country.  A new patriotic fervor rose from the ashes of destruction and people showed their best sides again.

Unfortunately that fervor has drifted away in just a few short years.  Terrorism is still a threat – not only in the United States – but to the entire world.  We need to be re-inspired as we approach this day.  Our country is full of good people who care about her.  We are a nation founded on hope and God’s values.  We cannot let the evil of this world win.  Our God is much greater than anything the devil has to throw at us.  Let’s never forget that He is in control.

 

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OUR TIME OF GRACE

Posted on September 5, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

So Charleston nov 1 2011 015-001

If Jesus defeated the devil, why is he still allowed to walk the earth?  This is a question that many folks ask of us Christians.  It’s a question we Christians often ask too, especially when we see the way our world has been turned upside down in every way and our own disappointments and failures seem to mount up daily.

We see that demon at work in every area of life and he almost seems to be gaining more and more control. Is it possible?  Is he winning?  Has he broken free of the chains God encased him in when His own Son died on the cross for our redemption and rose from death to  give us freedom.

We look at the evil erupting through radical Islam and a holy war which seems hell-bent on destroying everyone who doesn’t believe as they do. We see violence erupting in our streets on a daily basis.  We see young children experimenting with mind altering drugs to cope with the stresses they should never have to face.  We see the elderly praying for their lives to end so they can enjoy the benefits of heaven.  We see corruption all around us – in government, business, the workplace, even in our churches.  We seem to be exposed to inconceivable acts of inhumanity even within the walls surrounding families today.

WHY?  Why does God allow Satan to do his dirty work?

James 4:6-7 talks about how we have been given the opportunity to decide for ourselves.  God is not a great puppet master, controlling us from heaven.  He created us with logical minds; with the ability to choose; with free wills.  He wants us to be the decision makers.  I believe that God gives us this time to do just that.  It’s our time of grace – our time of decision – our time to share with others.

Satan has been defeated!  He will never be able to control those who put their faith in Jesus.  Christ gained the victory over him, but not all of us will enjoy the benefits of this amazing work.  If we choose to live by His commandments, trust in His promises and give ourselves fully to Him, we are guaranteed a place in heaven.  If we choose to go our own way and follow the evil offered by this world and the father of lies, we can count on eternity in hell.  It’s as simple as that.

 

 

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NOTE TO TWEENS, TEENS AND YOUNG ADULTS

Posted on September 2, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

self-esteem-activities

I’ve spent many years instructing young people and even though our world has drastically changed over the years – the basic fears, hopes, dreams and self-esteem of our kids hasn’t.

When you go from child to teen you’re entering a totally new world – one that expects you to  look a certain way; wear clothes that fit the mold; feel a specific way.  In addition, you have so many changes going on in your physical self.  Your body is going through a  metamorphous.  Your face breaks out – your voice changes – your body is growing- your emotions are on a constant roller coaster ride – you try to fit in and follow peer pressure.  To top that off, you’re living in a world filled with violence, inhumanity, wars, hatred and confusion and the push for success is immense.

You’re told to act your age, but you still enjoy doing childish things. Your parents want you to make decisions you aren’t prepared to make.  You begin to question the world – your friends – your parents – your religion.

This is the time in your life that you need something to trust in – someone to depend on – someone to take care of  you.

God has created you for a purpose.  You weren’t an accident.  God doesn’t make mistakes.  You’re His creation and you’re a masterpiece.  Take a look at what you are in His eyes.  He loves you with a love you will never experience in this world.  He wants you to come to Him when you are lost, hopeless, desperate.  He’ll never give up on you.  If you make mistakes, He’s always waiting to forgive you. He doesn’t want you to worry.  He loves everything about you – even your faults.

Invite Him to sit in your desk with you.  Make Him your BFF as you walk this new path.  With Him, all things are possible – especially YOU!

 

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ANOTHER DAY OFF?

Posted on September 1, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

funny-labor-day-quotes-pictures4

With almost 10% of the work force unemployed in our country, Labor Day is just another day off for many.  We are a nation founded on hard work.  Most of us enjoy working hard and gain great satisfaction from the jobs we do.  Some of us even have to work on Labor Day if we are in the retail business.

Labor was instituted by God when He placed man in the Garden of Eden.  He gave Adam charge over all the animals and plants and gave him the job of caring for them.  It wasn’t until mankind succumbed to Satan’s lies that work became difficult and sweat producing.

Work is a good thing.  It’s especially good when you’ve gone many months without a paycheck.

As we enjoy this Labor Day let us thank God for giving us the ability to work – for providing jobs that will help others – for keeping us healthy enough to continue doing the work we need to do to survive- for looking after us, even when we don’t have a job – for giving us fulfillment in the work we do – and for giving us the most amazing commission ever … spreading the good news of His great love for us.

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WHERE CAN WE GO TO HIDE?

Posted on August 29, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

fortress

The face of the world is becoming more and more hideous with time.  It seems that lately the news is filled with injustice towards humanity –  beheadings of children and mutilations of others.  A day doesn’t  go by when the headlines aren’t full of hatred and war.  Our own city streets are filled with stories of gang related crimes, domestic violence and crimes of passion.  It just makes us want to run away and hide.

Our children have to fear for their lives as they go to school – the middle aged pray that they will have their jobs tomorrow – the elderly hope they will be able to last as long as their shrinking incomes.  College graduates pray for jobs that will pay off their student loans.  Teens face a whole new type of bullying on the internet.  Stress, depression and angst are commonly used terms.   There’s a pill to handle just about any ailment and yet we are a people who often lose hope.

We can’t hide from the evils of the world.  They will always be with us, but we have a place where we can receive comfort and refuge.   God has promised to be with us in all adversity.   We can trust His promise even when things are crumbling down around us.  His protection will never fail.  It is like a perfect suit of armor which cannot be penetrated.

Help me, Lord, to always come to you with confidence in your everlasting faithfulness.  I know that you are the only sure thing in this life and the next.  Your love endures forever and I will always trust in your promise of a perfect life to come.  Amen!

 

 

 

 

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WAKE UP!

Posted on August 28, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

For some reason I overslept this morning.  Over sleeping for me is anything later than 6AM.  Now my computer is acting weird and trying to write a new post seems to be out of the question.  I also have a 10 o’clock date with my granddaughter and who knows what auto correct might do to my words.  In other words, I’m a bit frazzled this morning!

We watched the old movie, “City Slickers” last night and it still cracks me up every time Jack Palance sings, “Tumbling Tumbleweed.”  There are so many funny lines in that movie, but good old Jack had some good advice for the struggling “almost” 40 something Billy Crystal.  He said that there was really only one thing important in life and that it was up to Billy to figure it out.

What’s important in your life?  Have you figured it out yet?  I reckon I know what it is.  It’s time to wake up!

I guess there’s more than one way to look at that answer, but it applies in all areas of our lives.  We can’t sleep through this veil of tears.  We have to be aware of the work that needs to be done in a sin sick world.  We must truly WAKE UP!

Have a good day!  Gotta go – I’ve got a date!

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Family, Life, parenting, Religion, Uncategorized | 3 Comments

words

Posted on August 27, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

At first I took a pencil in my hand and etched words onto a lined tablet.
Penmanship was still alive and cursive script soon covered linen pages.
As time passed by, my fingers learned to fly across a manual typewriter.
I then began a long relationship with electricity and white out.
In later years I met a word processor who quickly took its place.
An oversized hard drive and screen was next until I met my laptop.
I’ve come full circle. My words are now tediously typed with stylus on tablet.
The tools change, but the words have just become more embellished.

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WALLS

Posted on August 27, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

walls

Walls are intended to keep something enclosed and safe.  They can also be used as a barricade against an enemy.  The muscles of the abdominal wall are designed to protect our internal organs. Walls separate one room from another creating privacy or another living space.

In ancient times walls were built to determine boundaries- to set up a defense against the enemy – to keep the bad guys out and the good ones in.  We still have boundaries, but most of the time they are just lines on a map.

We build walls around ourselves to keep things out, but in so doing we are also limiting ourselves.  There is safety in being walled in, but some of our freedom is being eaten away when we build them so that no one can get in and we aren’t able to get out.

God places His protection around us each day – like an invisible barrier against evil.  He also allows the walls to be broken down from time to time.  He gives us the ability to think for ourselves – He endows us with the capacity to make the right choices – He gives us a free will – He doesn’t hold us back when it comes to sharing His love with others.

Our sure defense is our heavenly Father, but He doesn’t want us to hide behind a wall.  He wants us to be brave and courageous when it comes to talking about what He has done for us.

Let’s break down the walls of selfishness – abuse – ignorance – fear – loneliness – hate – sadness, and all the other negatives – always knowing that God will be with us in the battle.  Turn those walls into a path instead.  Open the door and spread the love.

 

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DELIVER US FROM EVIL

Posted on August 20, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

trouble

Someone once wisely said, “Relying on the government to protect your privacy is like asking a peeping Tom to install your window blinds.”  Every day we hear about how our privacy is being invaded.  The internet, the IRS and identity theft are all tools whereby the bad guys can get into our lives and disrupt them.

These insidious and frightening acts of invasion are creeping into our lives and can affect the most unsuspecting of us.  A whole new industry is opening up to protect against these blatant assaults, but how do we truly arm ourselves from the dangers of this world?

Dear Heavenly Father, you deliver me from evil every hour of every day.  I can’t get up or lay down without your loving arms wrapped around me.  You fend off the arrows of the evil one – you watch so I don’t stumble and fall – you guide my steps onto the right path – you provide me with the armor of your salvation.  Help me to cope with the dangers of this world and give me confidence that you are in control of al things.  Thank you for the security of your watchful eyes and the strength and power of your love for me.  Amen.

 

 

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IMAGINE

Posted on August 19, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Have you ever looked at clouds and watched “them come to life right before your eyes? It’s something most of us do as children, but can still enjoy as we grow older.

Last night as we were driving home, I had the experience of checking out God’s great expanse of the twilight sky.  We were outside the city limits and you don’t always get a glimpse of a sky where I live.  I could see a storm developing and passing through the white thunder clouds above.  The lightening skipped through these enormous, darkening cotton balls, exposing their radiance in its wake.

There before my eyes – images of flying elephants – Pinocchio with his long nose and silly hat – an alligator which quickly transformed into a fish and again into a snake.  I could’ve sworn I saw Walter Mtthau and Bob Ross up there too, but that’s a whole different story.

Sometimes when we get older our imaginations take a vacation. We lose some of those childlike conceptions of the world around us. I suppose it’s because we don’t always exercise that God given talent.

 I hope I never completely lose track of my ability to imagine or pretend. It is the beginning of all creativity and a necessary part of who we are.

“I like nonsense, it wakes up the brain cells. Fantasy is a necessary ingredient in living, it’s a way of looking at life through the wrong end of a telescope. Which is what I do, and that enables you to laugh at life’s realities.”

Dr. Seuss

 

 

 

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MY CONFIDENCE

Posted on August 18, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

 

If you knew me well, you would soon come to see that I don’t have a lot of confidence.  I sometimes lose heart when things get tough –  I often try to handle things myself with little success –  I don’t like to chances  – I need someone to lean on.

Fortunately I have been blessed with a loving spouse and a family and friends I can count on. Even if I didn’t have those things in my life I do have someone who will walk me through any kind of trouble, fears, anxiety, as well as to rejoice in my successes and hopes fulfilled.

Each day we are called upon to take chances.  We get married and start a family without really knowing the obstacles we might face.  We make investments in real estate, our education, a business and the stock market without any guarantees. When we face old age, we might even take some foolish risks to empty our bucket list.

When Joshua began his military career, God gave him some good advice.  He told him to be strong and courageous – that He would be with Joshua in the battle even as He is with us in all that we do.

Does this mean we should take chances without hesitation?  God wants us to walk in His path – not our own.  When we give our lives over to Him, He has promised to stand with us in all that we do in His name.  Our job is to put our confidence in His guidance.  We are to use our brains to figure out the options, but leave the final decision to Him.  When He gives us the answers we need, we will know it and will give us peace in our decisions.

So where does your confidence come from? 

Lord, I often feel helpless in a world so full of trouble, but you have shown me time and again that I’m never alone.  I thank you for the blessings you have given me – especially the confidence to trust in you.  I constantly need your reassurance and you generously give it to me.  I praise your Holy Name!  Amen.

 

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, parenting, reflections, Religion, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

HOW TO OBTAIN WISDOM

Posted on August 17, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

 

sabiduriadedios

It seems that man is always searching for wisdom.  We try hard to obtain it – we struggle with obstacles that get in the way of it – we always fall short of achieving it.  The first human beings fell victim to the wiles of the devil when he suggested that they would become as wise as God if they ate from the forbidden tree.  That demon really knows how to put the right spin on the temptations he lays before us.  The fact that Eve gave into that desire and then convinced her husband to do the same, put the entire population into the throes of sin. 

We can never be equal with God – we can’t understand all that He does – we have no grasp on his amazing power and glory – we don’t rely on Him the way we should. 

Job in all his suffering, still hung on to the hope that God was in control of his circumstances and He would deliver Him in one way or another.  He trusted God’s almighty power.  He was in complete awe of that strength.  Through God, he was relieved of all his misery and sorrow at just the right time.  Through God he was restored to good health and prospered even more – not because of anything he did – but because God is awesome and He loves His children.  He will never allow them to suffer more than they can handle.

I don’t think I’d be able to hang in there as long as Job did – especially with friends like his – but I know that I am a redeemed child of God and that no matter what happens in this life, I have the hope of a future in eternity in a new body.

Wisdom doesn’t come through college degrees.  It doesn’t come from years of learning more and more through experience.  Wisdom comes from God, but first we must put our compete trust in His promises.

Job 28:28 “The fear of the Lord – that is wisdom, and to shun evil is understanding.”

Dear Lord, you are the Master of the universe – you alone are almighty, omnipotent and omnipresent.  Without you, I have no value, but you have redeemed me with the ultimate price – your only Son.  I praise and thank you for presence in my life.  Amen!

 

 

 

Posted in aging, Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, parenting, reflections, Religion, Uncategorized | Comments Off on HOW TO OBTAIN WISDOM