I’M NOT DEAD YET!

Posted on August 16, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

283310_II Cor 4 16-17 ~Sweet to the Soul 61_758412361_n

I’m of an age where most of my friends and myself are slowly falling apart.  We lack the energy we had when we were only 20 years younger.  Our faces show new lines and wrinkles each day.  Our skin is losing its elasticity – our joints and teeth are being replaced –  our organs are being tuned up and our get up and go has got up and left.  I thought going through middle age was tough.  Getting old is not for the faint of heart. 

The wonderful fact is that if we are grounded in God, and believe that Jesus died to pay for our sins and rose again to a perfect body – we too have that to look forward to.  Our life doesn’t end in death – it’s just the beginning.

These latter years gives us the time to exercise and build up our spiritual bodies.  We can spend quiet moments reading God’s Word.  We can share our faith with others.  We can learn to depend on Him to give us inner strength in the remaining days of life.  Though our outer shell is slowly dying, our inner strength (the part that really counts) is getting pumped up to capacity.

Old age doesn’t have to mean death and an end to things.  We still have time left to do God’s will.  It’s a time of grace which has been given us by our Creator to share this good news with others.  I still have a lot of living to do on this earth, but if I should die tomorrow, I am confident that I have eternal life waiting for me – and a new body. Woo hoo!

 

 

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

Funny Friday

Posted on August 15, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

This has been a week of disturbing news. It’s time for a little humor. I believe a good belly laugh can do wonders for a sagging spirit. We can’t let all this gloom and doom drag us down.

My life has been a series of funny events. Last week my husband and I participated in an enrichment camp for kids. The children ranged in age from 6-11. While some of them were waiting backstage to go on, one of them came running to my director’s chair and said,”The boy who is supposed to be my husband was picking his nose, I slapped his hand because it was gross. I thought I better tell you in case he says something.”

I really had to chuckle – not only because of the incident, but that she was basically telling on herself and covering all her bases? Children are one of the best sources of humor

I’d love to hear one funny thing that’s happened to you. We all could use a good laugh.

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TEN REASONS WHY I BELIEVE IN GOD

Posted on August 15, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

acts-412

Our world is full of skeptics.  We tend to question everything.  One of the first words out of our mouths is “why?”   We want proof.  We want evidence.  We insist on facts.  Faith is for sissys – right?

We learn by asking questions.  Accepting everything could easily lead to a path  to nowhere.  Here’s a list of reasons why I believe in God – I’m leaving out the part about faith, because that isn’t clear evidence – it’s something that grows within us when God’s Spirit comes into our heart.  Most skeptics don’t want any part of it anyway.

  • Placement of the Earth in the Universe. – Our planet is placed just the right distance from the sun and moon to allow for the gravitational pull necessary for us to stay grounded.
  • Everything in this world is perfectly designed. Each thing is made up of geometric shapes and patterns that couldn’t have just happened.  They had to have been thought out by a perfect architect.
  • The intricacies of the human body. Each individual is comprised of different DNA. Each cell is important.  No two people have the same fingerprint.  The design of each of the systems within the body has a purpose. 
  • Water & Oxygen – These elements were designed to sustain life. Nothing can survive without them.  They had to be put here for that reason.
  • Uniform laws of Nature – All living things were born with abilities for survival – whether they are animals, fish, birds or human beings.
  • Knowing the difference between right and wrong – Even the atheist has that knowledge. I believe it’s born into every one of us.  It’s in us as a natural mechanical device to steer us in the right direction.
  • The human brain – has around 100 billion neurons with about a quadrillion connections. The amount of memory able to be stored in that organ is way beyond any computer.
  • Archaelogy – Every day new discoveries in this area are proving events and catastrophes that occurred in the Bible, including the Great Flood.
  • History – All throughout history man has been in search of a higher being. The true God of the Bible has continued to exist for centuries.
  • Jesus – Is God made manifest in human form. He is living proof that God exists because He is God.

This is just a partial list, but I think it’s a good conversation starter to have with anyone who doesn’t believe in God.   I also believe that the Bible is our communication line with God. The answers are all there.

TEN REASONS WHY BELIEVE IN GOD

The world is full of skeptics.  We tend to question everything.  When we’re children one of the first words out of our mouths is “why?”  That question continues throughout our lives.  We want proof.  We want evidence.  We insist on facts.  Faith is for sissys – right?

 

It’s good to question things.  That’s how we learn.  If we go through life accepting everything we could easily walk onto a path that leads to nowhere.  Here’s a list of reasons why I believe in God – I’m leaving out the part about faith, because that isn’t clear evidence – it’s something that grows within you when God’s Spirit comes into your heart.  Most skeptics don’t want any part of it anyway.

 

  • Placement of the Earth in the Universe. – Our planet is placed just the right distance from the sun and moon to allow for the gravitational pull necessary for us to stay grounded.
  • Everything in this world is perfectly designed. Each thing is made up of geometric shapes and patterns that couldn’t have just happened.  They had to have been thought out by a perfect architect.
  • The intricacies of the human body. Each individual is comprised of different DNA. Each cell is important.  The design of each of the systems within the body has a purpose.
  • Water & Oxygen – These elements were designed to sustain life. Nothing can survive without them.  They had to be put here for that reason.
  • Uniform laws of Nature – All living things were born with abilities for survival – whether they are animals, fish, birds or human beings.
  • Knowing the difference between right and wrong – Even the atheist has that knowledge. I believe it’s born into every one of us in our conscience.  God put it there as a natural mechanical device to remind us of our dependence on Him and our ability to live with others.
  • The human brain – has around 100 billion neurons with about a quadrillion connections. The amount of memory able to be stored in that organ is way beyond any computer.
  • Archaelogy – Every day new discoveries in this area are proving events and catastrophes that occurred in the Bible, including the Great Flood.
  • History – All throughout history man has been in search of a higher being. The true God of the Bible has continued to exist for centuries.
  • Jesus – Is God made manifest in human form. He is living proof that God exists because He is God.

This is just a partial list, but I think it’s a good conversation starter to have with anyone who doesn’t believe in God.  I also believe that the Bible is our open line of communication with our Creator.  The answers are all there.

Dear God, I know that there are many who need you in their lives.  I might come off as sanctimonious sometimes.  Help me to stay grounded in my faith and in your Word.  Use me in any way to reach others with your truth.

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

IS THERE SUCH A THING AS PEACE?

Posted on August 14, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

peace

It seems each day brings more and more news of wars and terrorism.  Even in the safety of our  homes we are exposed to an evil world of hatred and anger.  It’s pretty hard to find any peace of mind when everything around you is anything but free from turmoil.

It can be difficult to walk through life with perfect peace, but wars and rumors of wars aren’t new.  They’ve been around ever since humanity fell into sin. People aren’t always satisfied with their own boundaries – many seek power by overtaking others and obtaining land – in some cases the call for a holy war becomes anything but holy.  People are destroyed, nations fall, calamity ensues and rationality takes a back seat.

So where do we go for peace when all of this is waging around us?  God tells us to come to Him.  He invites us to the security of His arms.  He cuddles us in His soft wings and let’s us know that we will be OK as long as we trust in Him.  Sounds too easy, doesn’t it?  Some might even say it’s foolish to believe in anything that isn’t right in front of your face.

As human beings we want to control things.  We don’t want to depend on someone else.  It seems useless to trust in something you can’t see, but that is exactly what faith is – believing something without any logical proof.  We may not be able to see God, but we have evidence of His existence in creation –  in the dawn of each day – in each birth that takes place – in the weather – in His Holy Word

We will never experience perfect peace in this world., but we can have a taste of it when we become acquainted with the Prince of Peace.

 

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SMILE

Posted on August 13, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

 

happygreet

I just discovered that today is “National Admit You’re Happy Day.” The problem is that many people aren’t happy – many have been swallowed up by debt – we live in a world of trouble – our lives don’t match up to our hopes and dreams – life just isn’t always great.  For some it’s difficult to admit they’re happy, because they have absolutely nothing to make them so.

This isn’t God’s plan for us. He didn’t create us to have a life of misery and hopelessness. He determined, before we were even knit together in our mother’s womb, that each of us would hold a unique place in this life.  His love for His children is immeasurable.

The father of lies wants us to think otherwise. He’s in the back of our heads, gnawing at our self-esteem – tugging at our feelings of anger, fear, anxiety – making us believe that we are worthless.  Those thoughts can draw us deep into the pit of depression.

The God of truth has given us something to be joyful about.  Not only are we promised a life in eternity with Him,  we have the hope of true contentment while we exist in this life.

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” John 10:10

In context, Jesus is talking about our eternal life, but I think He is also referring to the here and now. When we have hope in Him and the love He provides for us in our lives, we do have something to be happy about. Trust in His unfailing promises. Live in His Word of truth. When you have that knowledge, you truly can admit that you’re happy!

 

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PRAY!

Posted on August 11, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Why is it when we come in prayer
We just don’t have the words to share?
The struggles still continue on,
Our hopes diminish and are gone.

We lift our voices, but we fear
That God’s too far away to hear.
We grow impatient and cannot wait
We think our problems aren’t that great.

Our ego soon gets in the way.
We think that we don’t have to pray,
But God knows all our needs and cares;
He wants to hear our inmost prayers.

He sends His spirit to our side,
To speak in words we cannot hide.
He goes to God to intercede,
In royal language does He plead.

So take your troubles to the Lord.
Don’t worry over the right word.
He loves to hear from you each day.
Don’t feel inadequate – just pray!

Kathy Boecher

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, jpoetry/prose, Life, Optimism, parenting, reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 2 Comments

THANK YOU, LORD!

Posted on August 9, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

truth
Isn’t it something how God refreshes us after we’ve been through some difficult times? We can go through life filled with disappointment – become discouraged when things don’t go our way – frustrated with the turmoil in the world – and absolutely ready to give up at times. We become so consumed with it all that “Thank You” doesn’t seem to fit.

God will listen to our every prayer. He may not always seem to be on it right away, but He is putting everything in place, without our even knowing it. Maybe our requests don’t gel with what He has in mind for us, but He is still watching out for us.

So how do we approach Him? We first should come to Him with thanksgiving for all the blessings He has provided for us. Sometimes we have to dig deep into our circumstances to find anything, but just the fact that we are alive and have another moment of grace provided by Him, is really enough to be grateful for.

Even when storms surround us – when times are desperate – when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel – He is using those situations to shape us and refine us; preparing us for heaven.

Thank you, dear keeper of my soul, for giving me another day. Thanks for giving me opportunities to share your love with others. Thanks for your forgiveness each and every moment for things I have done and things I am about to do. Thank you for providing my sustenance for each day. Thanks for giving me a loving spouse and family. Thank you for allowing me the strength and endurance to carry me through. Thank you for loving me. Amen!

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IF I ONLY HAD THE NERVE!

Posted on August 8, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

cowardly-lion

We have been working with a group of youngsters all week, introducing them to the arts of music, art and drama. They have been immersed in activities which stretch their imagination; things they thought they could never do; and they’ve learned to try new things without being afraid. We read from the original L. Frank Baum “Oz” book; painted tee shirts, made art of things from nature, drew self-portraits; saw the beauty of nature from an artist’s perspective; learned new songs; discovered how to put movement to music; and created a play which tells the story of “The Wizard of Oz.”

The main lesson of this story is that we have the ability within us to do things we thought couldn’t. Great lessons for kids – wise thoughts for adults .

The Cowardly Lion is one of my favorite characters because I can totally relate to him. He was afraid of his own shadow, but found that the courage he longed for was there all the time. The moral of this story is that the things we fear the most can be conquered. We all possess the ability.

When we struggle through life, thinking we are limited – when we try to make sense of the challenges thrown in our path – when we can’t find our way – when we feel insignificant – we are putting ourselves into a box that we may never get out of.

As we grow up, we soon discover that courage doesn’t come from ourselves, but from the one who created us. He knew us before we existed. What a wonderful source of confidence building that is.

Courage is built into us, along with intelligence and compassion. Those things are right there within us – created by the Almighty God who loves us. With Him all things are possible.

This has been a whirlwind of activity for a couple of 72 year olds, but the vibrancy that comes from being with young people is exhilarating. Thankfully we have a young music instructor who brings her enthusiasm to the table, along with a couple of teen helpers. It’s been a shot in the arm for me, but I’m sure I will sleep hard and long tonight.

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ARE WE READY?

Posted on August 4, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

america

In 1963 a list of Communist goals was shown to the House of Repesentatives.  I’m going to list just a few of them today, but if you want to read more, go to the article, “The Communist Takeover of America – 45 Declared Goals,” from Greg Swank.  I find it interesting that some of them have already occurred.

1.  Develop the illusion that total disarmament [by] the United States would be a demonstration of moral strength. 

2.  Do  away with all loyalty oaths. 

3.  Capture one or both of the political parties in the United States.

4.  Use technical decisions of the courts to weaken basic American institutions by claiming their activities violate civil rights.

5. Get control of the schools. Use them as transmission belts for socialism and current Communist propaganda. Soften the curriculum. Get control of teachers’ associations. Put the party line in textbooks.  

6. Infiltrate the press. Get control of book-review assignments, editorial writing, policy-making positions.  

7.  Gain control of key positions in radio, TV, and motion pictures.

8.  Discredit the American Founding Fathers. Present them as selfish aristocrats who had no concern for the “common man.” 

9.  Discredit the American Constitution by calling it inadequate, old-fashioned, out of step with modern needs, a hindrance to cooperation between nations on a worldwide basis.

10.  Support any socialist movement to give centralized control over any part of the culture–education, social agencies, welfare programs, mental health clinics, etc.

Well, that’s just ten items and there are 41 more.  I find it interesting how these very things have maneuvered their way into our lives.  Without even realizing it, some have been deceived into believing this is what America stands for.

When something is motivated by the devil, you can bet it isn’t going to be blasted all over the news media.  He works undercover.  He slinks around, gnawing away at basically good concepts until they are slowly devoured.  It would be nice if we didn’t have to be on guard all the time, but that isn’t the nature of this particular beast. 

When he first appeared to God’s perfect creation, his image was that of a serpent.  The very nature of snakelike behavior is seductive – alluring – mysterious – cunning.   He convinced Eve that she could be like God if she did his bidding.  We all know the rest of that story.

The truth is that we as Christians need to be watchful every minute of every day.  We as Americans should also be diligent.  The devil would be delighted if he could bring our country down.  He is winning souls here everyday.

God, I know that you have defeated Satan and sin has no power over me anymore, but that doesn’t mean I don’t need the armor of your protection.  Keep me vigilant.  Protect my country from those who delight in seeing her die.  Remind me every day of your faithfulness!

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Family, goals, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, parenting, reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

SING PRAISE TO THE LORD

Posted on August 3, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Summer WorshipPsalm 150:6

 

“Let everything that has life and breath praise the Lord!”

 

 

 

 

Our worship sometimes take a vacation along with us in the summer. We get so wrapped up in the concept of rest during this time of easy living, that we forget that the day of rest is so much more than that.  It gives us an opportunity to thank God – to praise Him – bring our prayers before Him – fellowship with other Christians.  There’s even a commandment about the Sabbath day.

God knows what’s in our hearts and our worship is not merely an outward display.  We can really worship Him anywhere, but the physical church is a great place to come to Him with others like us, so that we can be encouraged – feel part of a community – lift our voices in prayer and song – and know that we are in His temple. 

Where ever life takes us – in our travels – in our walk with Him – in our time of need – when our hearts are heavy or when we’re full of joy – where two or three are gathered, He is there too.

Come, let us worship together – all year round.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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CAN I PRAY FOR YOU?

Posted on July 31, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

pray for others

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words.” Matthew 6:5

As our world continues to grow and the sense of community is  lost to the busyness of every day, it’s easy for us to forget to pray for others.  Many times we don’t even know that our friends or family need our prayers.  There are a number of reasons for that.

We might be afraid to open up our lives to others.  We may feel ashamed or embarrassed by the things that we’re concerned about.  We may not want people to know we’re suffering with an illness or loss, because we think it’s a sign of weakness.  We may think we don’t need the prayers of others, because our relationship with God is a private thing between us and God.  We may want to handle things ourselves.

When Jesus taught His followers how to pray in His Sermon on the Mount, He made it clear what our prayers should include.  Our words should be from the heart – not just words that outwardly make a show of our piety.  Our prayers should be done in private – with the doors closed – in a closet, no less. 

In the words of His very own prayer, He tells us to honor and praise God, the Father –  to forgive others – ask for our own forgiveness – to have all our daily needs provided for – to be kept safe from temptation. 

He also wants us to have those words spill onto all those around us.  We really need to get back to a community of people who care about each other.  This is part of the reason people go to church – to be encouraged by the Word, to praise God, to give thanks to Him and to be in fellowship with other Christians. 

Don’t be afraid to share your prayer requests with others.  God loves it when we pray together with sincere hearts.  Jesus also said that where two or three are gathered in His name, He will be there with them. 

Pray for others today!

 

 

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STEREOTYPES

Posted on July 30, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

and stereotypes

A stereotype is defined as an over-simplified or standardized conception of a culture, profession or group.  How often do we categorize people?  For example, everyone knows that cops and donuts go together – right?  The Italian people are all members of the Mafia.  Rednecks have only one  tooth and park their used furniture outside next to their pickups.

I happen to be composed of five different nationalities.  I’m Irish, English, German, French and Swedish.  I should therefore be a green beer swilling drunk- with a stiff upper lip – without a sense of humor, stubborn and serious all the time –  a rude, arrogant romantic who loves freedom – and a blond socialist who shops at Ikea.

Well, I certainly hope that doesn’t describe me.  It’s funny how we put people into pigeon-holes before we ever get a chance to know them.  We have a tendency to judge.   Do we tend to think we are better  than others?  Do we look at outward appearances?  Do we look at humanity unfairly? 

I think if were honest with ourselves, we have to admit that we have at one time or another done this.  We are all guilty, because it is part of our sinful nature.

Christians are also placed into a certain stereotypical category.  Many people think that if you are a Christian, your life is perfect – that you have no problems and if you do, it’s because you’ve done something to displease your God.   They think you’re a goody two shoes – you’re too conservative – you don’t have any fun.  They think you worry too much about sin – that you are all show and no action and that you believe in fairy tales.

Many of those attitudes are formed because it’s easy to put people of one race, one nationality, one ethnic group, one religion into one category.  We aren’t all the same.  God tells us not to judge others.  That job is up to him.

Matthew 1-2 says, “Judge not, that you be not judged.   For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”

Dear Lord, help me to reflect on these words .  Help me to keep an open mind in all my experiences today.  Keep me from making judgments about people, their intentions, their thoughts, their motives, without really knowing what’s in their hearts.  You alone are our judge.  Don’t ever let me forget that.

 

 

 

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I DON’T KNOW WHAT TO DO – YES I DO!

Posted on July 29, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

confused

Sometimes I feel schizophrenic and so do I.  One minute I feel completely confident about doing something and the next, I am totally confused.  It often feels like I am vacillating between one plan of action and another.  My mind may be made up one day and change again in an instant.  The more I think about some things. the more baffled I get.

Maybe it’s better to just forget the whole thing.  Maybe the thoughts should be removed completely from your mind – but decisions which affect your future cannot be forgotten. God wants us to plan – to be smart – to use the brains He’s given us.  He also doesn’t want us to lose faith over the choices we make.  In all things we should be strengthened through Him – even when our minds are befuddled and we aren’t sure about the options that lay before us.

It would be nice if all the right answers were written in the sky by God Himself, but He doesn’t work that way anymore.  Today He talks to us through His Holy Word, the Bible.

When our minds are filled with indecision; when our hearts are troubled by change; when life becomes disrupted with new circumstances, He invites us to come to His Word for answers.

Psalm 119:169  “Let my cry come before you, O Lord;
    give me understanding according to your word!

Lord, it seems as if I should be old enough to have all the answers, but I don’t.  Life and experience teach us good lessons, but the only truth comes from you.  Help me to accept the things which I have no control over.   Help me to have an adventurous heart again.  I don’t want my age to be a deterrent to all  future plans.  Give me strength and courage to make the right choices for my life and help me to find answers through your Word.

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PRESS ON

Posted on July 28, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

PRESS ON.

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IT’S NOT FAIR

Posted on July 25, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

why

An unsinkable ship carrying immense numbers of unsuspecting people crashes into an ice berg and sinks to the bottom of the ocean. A huge squadron of Japanese planes incessantly bombs an island in the South Pacific causing great loss to American life.   Three planes are hi-jacked – two of them fly into the tallest buildings in New York City while the other is diverted and crashes into a field in Pennsylvania killing all on board.  A Malaysian passenger plane is shot down by a missile taking every single life in its path.  Why?  Why do these things happen to innocent people?

This is a question man has been asking since the beginning of time.  Some time shortly after God created this beautiful world and the skies that hold it, mankind fell into sin – one of the all time most important sins – disobedience.  With that sin came consequences – death.  That curse would be carried on throughout all generations and all men would face the wages of sin.

At the same time God placed His judgment, He also gave a way out.  He promised to send a deliverer – one who would pay the price for their ransom.  He gave man a perfect world in the first place – man messed up – God loves His creation so much that He provided another paradise for Him in heaven.

Life does not promise to be perfect even if people are good and do all the right things.  There are going to be trials.  There will be times when we just don’t get what God is trying to teach us through adversity.   We just don’t get what it all means.  We may even question His purpose for our lives and give up altogether. 

It doesn’t make sense that good people have to suffer and die – but when you understand that they are now enjoying a perfect life in paradise – it becomes very clear. 

We will never know the reason why suffering is part of our lives.  We should know that God loves us more than we can imagine.  He isn’t sitting up in heaven and moving us around on His giant chess board.  He gave us a mind, a free will and the ability to make our own choices. 

God’s plan was, is and always has been for us to enjoy perfection.   Someday we will.

memverse1cor1534

 

 

 

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I’LL TRY HARDER TOMORROW

Posted on July 24, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

encouragement20

Scarlet O’Hara was one who always got her heart’s desire, until the Civil War.  Her entire life changed in just a matter of time when the country became entangled in a nasty conflict that pitted brother against brother and took countless lives.  She maintained a positive attitude and even though she lost everything, she was able to say,”Tomorrow is another day.”

We all struggle with either physical, spiritual or emotional strain.  It’s something we have in common as the human race.  We may succeed only to fail.  We may gain happiness only to suffer loss.  We may be healthy one day and get a bad diagnosis the next.  Our lives are filled with ups and downs – sometimes more than others. 

We could give up and surrender to those bad days.  We could go down in defeat, because we’re just too tired to fight anymore.  We might even search for solace in some thing, some one or some place that can give us temporary relief from our misery – but the relief is just that – temporary.

We can’t go through life beating ourselves up for not being perfect.  Our homes may not look like they belong in House and Garden.  Our clothes may be wrinkled from sitting in the dryer too long.  Our checkbook may show a negative balance.  Our jobs may have been cut.  Our lives may be undergoing extreme changes.  I could go on and on, but the fact is this isn’t a perfect world.

Do we give up?  Of course not.  We move on.  We struggle, but we move on.  God hasn’t promised that our lives would be easy, but he gives us the courage to face each and every day.  It’s something the Cowardly Lion longed for, but already had to begin with.  It’s something we all have been given by the One who loves us the most.

Tomorrow is another day!

 

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Love Incomprehensible

Posted on July 21, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

I’ll never grow to comprehend the power of your love.
You hold me fast. You treasure me. You guide me from above.
There is no other love like yours. You fill my every need.
You comfort and protect me. For my soul your wounds did bleed.
So take my life and use it, to serve you in some way.
Help me to share your message today and everyday.

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FEAR NOT

Posted on July 21, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

Yoda-Fear-is-the-path-to-the-dark-side_-Fear-leads-to-anger_-Anger-leads-to-hate_-Hate-leads-to-suffering-Yoda

I’m not a huge “Star Wars” fan, but Yoda had a lot of wisdom.  The words he quotes in the image above, indicates exactly what fear can do to us.  It can cause us to think negatively, worry, lose our faith, physically make us ill and generally make our lives miserable. 

The Lord doesn’t want us to be afraid.  There are tons of references in the Bible regarding fear and assuring us that we need not fear anything if we join ourselves to the freedom He provides us.

Still we continue to fear things in our lives.  One of my fears is death by drowning on a large body of water.  I can’t even look at a picture of the Titanic without turning away.  I also have a fear of not being prepared – whether it’s for a part in a play and forgetting my lines; not having a class plan; not having my house in order; not making lunches for my children – even though they have been on their own for many years.

Fear can hold us back – it prevents us from doing something we might really enjoy – it can lead to dependence on something that helps us to temporarily forget about our fears – it can lead to erratic behavior and paranoia.  Fear is one of Satan’s more obvious tools and he doesn’t hesitate to use it. 

David used his Psalms to cry out to God for help in all areas of his life.  In many of them he refers to the fears he faced in his life.

Psalm 27:1 says,  “The Lord is my light and my salvation;
    whom shall I fear?  The Lord is the stronghold of my life;
    of whom shall I be afraid?”

Dear Lord, you are my life and salvation.  Without you, I am nothing,  Help me each day to rely on your strong arms to shield and protect me from the devil.  Surrounded by your protection, I can rest comfortably knowing that everything will be OK.  May I always turn to you in time of fear and know that you will be there for me.

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LET IT GROW!

Posted on July 20, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

May the Spirit continue to work In us. For once we have become baptized we become members of God’s family. Not only are we forgiven through this sacrament, but the Holy Spirit is now working within us – building our faith – strengthening us – inspiring us to do our Heavenly Father’s will in our lives.

We ARE baptized forever. With this amazing gift we can do awesome things. The seed has been planted, watered, nurtured and cared for. Now all we have to do is let it grow!

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on LET IT GROW!

PRAYER FOR OUR WORLD

Posted on July 18, 2014 by atimetoshare.me

We live in a time of extensive strife – everlasting discontent – endless wars – devastation caused by them – mindless acts of man – meaningless destruction which harms innocent victims .  It sometimes feels overwhelming. 

The headlines and top stories of the day consist of violence, hatred, anger, tragedy and the ugly side of life.  A day doesn’t go by when we don’t hear about man’s inhumanity to man.  Is there any hope for this world wracked with sin?

We often become so wrapped up in our own little realm of sorrow, we forget to pray for those outside of it.  We forget that God is still in control and try to mend things ourselves.

Today, remember to pray for the world we live in.  There is always going to be trouble in it, but we can be confident that God has it in the palm of His hands.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.”John 14.27

Lord, You tell us that you will not only provide peace for our souls and minds, but eternal peace.  As this world spins more and more out of control, remind us that you have a plan for everything.  Give us the comfort of knowing that our real peace comes from you. 

 

 

 

Posted in Christian Devotions and Reflection, Encouragemet, Faith, Hope for the hopeless, Inspiration, Life, Optimism, reflections, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments