WHITHERSOEVER WEDNESDAY

Posted on September 14, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

I love exploring unusual words and I particularly love the way some words sound as they roll off the tongue. The old English language is especially poetic and probably why many people use the King James version of the Bible. This language, though sometimes difficult to understand, has a lyrical tone – a not-so-often used – is reserved for special occasions and is set apart from the common language. It makes it seem more important and worthy of the One who is speaking it.

The word, “Withersoever” is used 35 times in various versions of the Bible. It is defined as “Wherever.” We tend to shorten beautiful words in the English language, which I believe gives them less power. When someone pledges their faithfulness, they might say, “Whithersoever thou goest, there will I follow. The formality of the word makes it sound official, doesn’t it? Words are used to communicate ideas, needs, plans, solutions and countless other reasons. To attach a whithersoever to a sentence would probably raise a few eyebrows today, but that’s because we tend to shorten a lot of words simply to save time,. Someday “whithersoever.” might become WSE in text language.

I personally read the ESV Bible for easier reading, but there’s something about the King James Version that seems to set it apart and gives it the honor it deserves. Therefore, whithersoever thou goest today, knowest that the King of Glory is at your side to guide thee through the outermost wanderings both hither and yon.

The king’s heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. Proverbs 2:1

Posted in Faith, God's plans, words, writing | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

TEMPESTUOUS TUESDAY

Posted on September 13, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

This week I’m looking at words we don’t use very often, but they have a profound impact, nonetheless. Now that I mention it, the word “nonetheless” doesn’t get used on a daily basis either, but I’ll save that for another day. The word “tempestuous” stirs thoughts of chaos and things getting so out of control that we don’t know how to handle them. The storms of life are to be expected, but why do they always come at the same time? Why does it seem so difficult to navigate through them? Where is the captain of the ship? I actually wonder about that last statement. The captain is usually carousing with the passengers, so who is at the helm?

We don’t plan for disasters. We don’t look forward to financial problems. We aren’t ready to leap tall buildings in a single bound, but so often we expect to do so. Instead of waiting for something to happen, we must be proactive in the process. We can wait for the proverbial rescue, but unless we do something, chances are the answers will slip right past us without our even recognizing them. God gives us most of the necessary solutions through His Word, the Bible. He has also given us a brain, so that we can work through these things with His help.

The real guide for living comes in our daily communion with the greatest Navigator ever. So, forget about the weather channel and look to the skies.

“He stretches out the north over the void
    and hangs the earth on nothing.
 He binds up the waters in his thick clouds,
    and the cloud is not split open under them.
 He covers the face of the full moon[b]
    and spreads over it his cloud.
He has inscribed a circle on the face of the waters
    at the boundary between light and darkness.
The pillars of heaven tremble
    and are astounded at his rebuke.” Job 26:7-11

Posted in Bible, fears, Jesus, storms, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on TEMPESTUOUS TUESDAY

MAUDLIN MONDAY

Posted on September 12, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

The image of Emmett Kelly is what I remember most about the circus clowns of the old days. Emmett expressed the epitome of maudlin. Maudlin describes itself as self-pity, over sentimental and often tearful. Later in my life, clowns took on a whole new image and instead of being funny, they became scary and evil. Emmett made us laugh with his apparent sadness – now clowns have become an evil force. Isn’t it funny how things change over time? The things that once were fun and safe have been corrupted and become just the opposite.

The word “maudlin” popped into my head this morning. Maybe it’s because of circumstances going on in my life right now. Maybe self-pity is creeping into my head and making a sad clown out of me. Tears can fall at any moment, and they usually do. There are times when we must put on a mask to cover the pain behind it. There are moments when we are required to be strong in adversity, but the only way to do that is to create a different face. There are days that we would rather crawl back into bed and forget about the rest of the week. Certainly, God doesn’t want that for us. Yet having experienced humanity Himself through His Son, Jesus, He knows what those maudlin emotions can lead to. Words like depression, anxiety, stress, hopelessness, suicidal thoughts might soon follow..

Jesus willingly took all our burdens, our worries, our maudlin thoughts to the cross and buried them in the tomb. When He rose again, His mission on earth was accomplished. He defeated death and the devil and gives us all the hope of a perfect destination after this one.

PSALM 56:8-11 “You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle.
    Are they not in your book? Then my enemies will turn back in the day when I call.
    This I know, that God is for me. In God, whose word I praise, in the Lord, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Posted in depression, hope, Salvation, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

HOW SOON WE FORGET

Posted on September 11, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

One of the most dramatic photographs that appeared right after the destruction in New York on September 11, 2001, shows the skeletal remains of the Twin Towers . The towers are silhouetted in the midst of smoke, ash and death. Today we’ll talk about that day. Many young children won’t remember. Even young adults will not relate to this event, because it isn’t often reflected upon in schools. The memory is still very fresh in the minds of those who lost loved ones – families of first responders – a city filled with dense and rancid ash – but, like what happened at Pearl Harbor, it must be remembered by all Americans.

Our freedom was attacked by terrorists. They somehow breached the system and were able to crush lives and the spirit of loyalty to country in just a short time. How could such a thing happen in the USA? The war on terrorism ensued and more lives were lost. Over the last twenty-one years, this event changed our mission statement. We grew further and further away from our Creator, when we needed Him the most. With a worldwide pandemic happening only nineteen years later, it was just another blow to our faith in government – our relationships – our patriotism – our God. It seemed our world was changing so much in that short period of time. Events seemed to be turning upside down. Respect for law enforcement – lack of taking responsibility for our actions – people were now isolated from friends and churches. It seemed we were falling backwards rather than pushing forward with the American dream.

I pray that our nation remembers the cost of our freedom. I pray that we return to God as a nation. I pray that we don’t need another wakeup call, but I fear that might be the only way we return to our only hope in life. Patriotist was born out of faith in God. Let’s not forget Him either.

Psalm 91:1-2
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

Posted in 9/11, America, country, patriotism | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments Off on HOW SOON WE FORGET

FALL ON YOUR KNEES

Posted on September 9, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

When we first moved into our new, old house, I discovered I was spending a lot of time on my knees. The old farmhouse we chose to inhabit had been restored and most of the interior structural work was done. All the walls were freshly painted, new cupboards installed, windows replaced. It was ready for us to move in. There was still the general maintenance of getting into a prayer position to clean both old and new wood floors. I’ve always scrubbed floors, by getting into a kneeling position, but these 80-year-old knees are having a difficult time doing so these days.

In the winter months I would sometime find myself on my knees while taking the dog outside. Sliding across the snow and eventually falling into it was a common occurrence. After a few years I finally went to see an orthopedic doctor in hopes of bringing some relief to my aching knees. He indicated that my x-ray showed the knees of a seventeen-year-old. I asked him if he had the right x-ray. After a cortisone shot, they felt better, but the thought of getting down on my knees has taken a back seat lately.

When I reach heaven, I will have a new body and won’t need to worry about my seventeen-year-old knees. I will continue to have conversations with God on a regular basis, but then I will be able to meet Him face to face.

Going through the ritual of getting down on my knees to pray has become a moment-to-moment conversation with God. I guess it doesn’t really matter to Him what position we take when we pray as long as that conversation continues on a regular basis. We often say our prayers in rote, and they lose so much of their actual meaning. When we rattle off certain prayers without really thinking about it, they become worthless words and meaningless action in God’s eyes. We aren’t getting much out of the situation either. When we pray, (and I don’t get on my knees to do so) our first inclination should be to thank God and give Him praise for all He has done for us. Our petitions should include the needs of others as well as our own. This time should be filled with reverence to God and gratitude for all He has accomplished in your life so far. It’s also a perfect time to confess your sins to Him. He already is aware of them, but through your praying you’ll find comfort in the fact that they have been forgiven on the day His Son died for all. Jesus made it possible for us to go directly to the source of our healing. His death and resurrection cut the middleman out of the picture.

Our prayers may be awkward. Our attempts may be feeble. But since the power of prayer is in the One who hears it and not in the one who says it, our prayers do make a difference. ~ Max Lucado

Posted in Faith, God's will, prayer, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , | 5 Comments

AN ACTOR’S LIFE FOR ME

Posted on September 8, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Hey diddly dee, an actor’s life for me. Disney’s Pinocchio decided that an actor’s life was just the kind of life he wanted. What was the appeal? All actors know that you can hide behind a mask of sorts and display characteristics that you normally would never exhibit. You can become another person for a little while and then go back to being yourself when you’re finished. My acting career took off when I was about five. I realized I could become the center of attention if I danced, twirled my baton or sang in front of people. I didn’t have a very good opinion of myself as a child. When I became a chubby teenager, my acting skills helped me get through adolescence because that mask I had earlier created was becoming a necessary part of my persona.

I grew up falling in love with the movies and early television shows. Theatre became a huge part of my existence, but it wasn’t until much later in life that I realized I had a special place in my heart for it. Going back to college in my forties, wasn’t really in the plan, but at the time we were financially able. I was eager to get a drama program started at my kids’ high school. It led to a 13-year gig as the volunteer drama director for my own children as well as many others. It was an amazing experience, which got me back into something I always loved doing and sharing my experience with young thespians.

I always told my students that being on stage was a chance for them to become someone else for a while, but that they should never forget who they were – that they had value and purpose – that they had more talent than they realized – that the skills they learned in acting would help them in whatever career they chose to pursue. Not only would they have confidence performing before others, but their communication skills would improve. They would learn how to work as a team to solve problems. Those tools are invaluable in any line of work.

Some of my students went on to careers in theatre, but most of them didn’t. Getting that big break is never as easy as it sounds. Having a backup plan is always a good idea, but the lure of theatre is very addictive. At 80 years old, I’m still involved in it. I probably will die onstage someday, and it won’t be a scene from Shakespeare,

So, celebrate Actors’ Day today. Go to a play in a local theatre. Watch an old movie and see how acting styles have changed over the years. Get involved in some acting yourself. It’s a great way to meet new friends, try something new and pull you out of your shell.

“The learning process continues until the day you die.” Kirk Douglas

Posted in acting, confidence, SELF ESTEEM, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 7 Comments

A LOVE LETTER FROM GOD

Posted on September 7, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

This poem was written a number of years ago but might be a good way to send your children off to school. When there are so many dangers they must face each day – when they need encouragement – when they hope to be accepted and loved – God’s Word is always available to lift them up in all circumstances. This isn’t a message just for children, but all of us as we walk through each day. We are loved!

Do you know how precious you are to me?
Do you not feel my presence every second of every hour?
Do you know that I want to take your problems, your worries, your fears and place them all on my own back?
Can you see my hand working in your life – helping you to make hard decisions – leading you from temptation and pulling you closer to me every day?
Do you know I want you to prosper?  I have a plan designed just for your life.  It may not be what you want or expect, but it will be abundant.
Do you know that I am the only one who really loves you with an everlasting and divine love?

Do you know that I paid the ransom for the sins that have held you captive for so long? There is no need for guilt, I cover you with my protective wings.  The price was paid once for all.

Do you know that I was not afraid to lay down my life for you, because I can conquer death?

Do you know that I am waiting for you in heaven?  There will be no tears, no sadness, only joy.

Your room is ready!  Do you know?

KATHY BOECHER©

Posted in Poetry by Kathy Boecher, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 3 Comments

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

Posted on September 6, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Well, it’s that time of year again. Time for parents to add to their credit card debt. Time for purchasing school supplies, backpacks, new clothes and shoes and the latest technology which will ensure your child’s success. All of this can put a strain on the average family. We all want to look our best and create the perfect impression. Going back to school has taken on a whole new meaning today. You almost have to take out a loan to supply your children with what they need. There I go again – sounding like an old fogey – but then again, I am. School costs have gone ballistic with the advent of technology. You have to admit it. All we needed was a three-ring binder and some loose-leaf paper – some pencils, a box of crayons and a lunch box. Of course, there were the new shoes and duds. It seems today that kids are spending an awful lot of money on ripped jeans. I should’ve saved all my old ones. I would’ve cleaned up with a garage sale.

Today there is no need to walk ten miles, uphill in a snowstorm both ways. Children are carted from place to place in the luxury of an airconditioned vehicle. Walking to school isn’t done much anymore, because of safety. Then there’s the issue of violence when they get to school.

Let’s take a look at children today.  This isn’t the norm, but statistics are showing that many of them are suffering from depression before they reach middle school.  Bullying is at an all-time high.  Children are committing suicide at an alarming rate.  Self-mutilation/cutting is not unusual.  Some are counting on drugs or alcohol to soothe the inner pain. They’re unhappy with their lives because something is missing from them.  They don’t have that fail-safe message that, even though we’re sinners, God loves us and has solved the problem.

Kids need to know they have a champion – one who will be with them throughout their lives, even when others fail them.  They’re longing for the safety and protection of a super-hero.  They want to know that they have merit, that they’re loved, that a wonderful future is already laid out for them, both here and in eternity.  We all need to know that.

Our children are on loan to us for a short time. They are a gift from God and belong to Him really. It is our obligation to make sure they know about their heavenly Father and the plan He has laid out for their lives. There is no amount of money that can buy that kind of insurance. When we place our kids in His protection, we’re putting them in the best hands possible.

Posted in change, Encouragement, time | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments Off on FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL

WHERE GOD LEADS US

Posted on September 4, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

With every passing morning, through every dawning light,
Time flits from here to there each day, and withers into night,
If it would just stand still again, like golden days of yore,
We might enjoy the little things, that make us love life more

The quiet times with family, the reading of a book,
The smell of cookies baking, the singing of a brook,
The moments of togetherness that bind you close together
The sounds of peace, the voice of God, the kindness of the weather,

These things sound simple, but they’re not, they simply bring us life,
Reminding us of days gone by, erasing all our strife,
The old things bring new life to us, they simply can’t be shattered,
We learn from all our past mistakes and all that really mattered.

Posted in Art & poetry by Kathy Boecher, Faith, Life | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

LIFE’S JOURNEY

Posted on September 3, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

This series of paintings was done about eleven years ago, by Paul Boecher. The poem by Kathy Boecher was written about four years later. I discovered these paintings recently and realized I hadn’t shown them before. Always finding treasures at my house.

ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

A bumpy journey over rough terrain,

We start out fresh, but never are again,

Each day the challenges bring joy or pain,

We search for treasure and for earthly gain,

We suffer much when we cannot obtain,

Desire fills us with an ugly stain,

Sin overtakes and faith will often wane,

But still, there’s hope in time of heavy strain,

Satan launches his devious campaign,

Our Savior then unlocks each heavy chain,

And takes us to our heavenly domain.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, ART & POETRY BY THE BOECHERS, Heaven, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , | 5 Comments

LABELS – TRUE OR FALSE?

Posted on September 2, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Many of us remember reading this book in our teen years. I’m not sure why it was required reading. Maybe it was a way of discouraging promiscuous behavior. Maybe it should be put on the reading list again. The book was written in a time when labels were very much out there. We have them today as well, but not quite as much stigma is connected with them. The shame of wearing a tag to display your adulterous activity doesn’t happen today – or does it? When someone outwardly exhibits their sins openly, their label doesn’t bring the kind of shame it once did. It isn’t an effective tool and probably wasn’t even in Nathaniel Hawthorne’s day.

Today, most illicit behavior is right out there for all the world to see, hear or read about. In a world of instant news, there is nothing secret or sacred any longer. On the other hand, pride is becoming the seed of human behavior and it often leads to destruction. Pride is defined as a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in conduct.  It’s easy to get caught up in those thoughts because we live in a world that is often considered “THE ME GENERATION.”

What would others think of us if they knew what was lurking in the deep, dark corners of our hearts?  How would we appear if all our sins were displayed like they were in “The Scarlet Letter” for all the world to see?  We all have hidden thoughts, desires and things we don’t want people to know about us – the ugly side of us. Only God knows our inner conflict. He knows our struggles and fears, but He still loves us in spite of it. We have been cleaned up – all labels have been erased by His own Son – we no longer wear the badge of SINNER on our chests. His unconditional love looks beyond our sin and sees the ransom – paid in full.

“Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” Philippians 2:3

Posted in forgiveness, Hope for the hopeless, sin, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

GOD, BLESS THE LITTLE LAMBS

Posted on August 31, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Soon, the mad rush for school supplies, new clothes, electronic devices, dorm supplies, and the thought of packing school lunches will settle down and kids will return to classrooms. Their backpacks will be full, their new duds will match their anticipation for renewing old friendships and filling their minds with knowledge. Well, maybe not so much the mind thing. Moms will opt for cafeteria lunches and an additional bill for each month, or possibly choose to pack bag lunches.

The bag lunch was aways my choice. At first the lunches were amazing. I cut the bread into various shapes – made sure all the nutritional value was included – included an inspirational note inside and felt my job was done. By the end of the school year, they were lucky to get two slices of bread with peanut butter and jelly between them. For some unknown reason, I have this inner fear that I would forget to pack those lunches and be accused of being the worst mother of the year. In fact, my dreams continue to be filled with thoughts of not making those lunches. I never failed to do so in reality. It’s funny how some things remain in a mother’s memory for so long. Maybe there’s some deep psychological reason for this fear. Maybe I still have a hard time letting go of my children (even though they are all competent middle agers now.) It could even mean that my striving to be the perfect mother had nothing to do with the lunches I packed.

Sometimes we place so much extra pressure on ourselves to be what the world expects us to be, that we forget the real purpose of parenting. We can provide food, shelter, love and knowledge for our children, but the spiritual food they receive is just as important, if not more, than those other necessities.

Jesus often used children as examples in His time spent on earth. He talked about childlike faith -which is an unconditional acceptance of what they learn. He told His disciples to feed His lambs – not with earthly food, but the food of His Spirit. The one thing needful for our youth is not the amount of money we spend on them. It has nothing to do with their clothing, their stuff, their gadgets, but everything to do with their future. When we feed the truth of God’s Word, we’re giving them more than their daily bread.

Posted in Bible, Holy spirit, Jesus, parenting | Tagged , , , , , , | 7 Comments

FOREVER FRIEND

Posted on August 30, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Many years ago, Carol King wrote a tribute to friendship in her song “You’ve Got a Friend.” When things are going bad and it seems like nothing is ever going to get better, it is good to know that there is someone who cares about us. Carol was writing about earthly friends, but sometimes we might even find disappointment in them. There is only one friend we can truly count on in times of trouble; in times of disaster; in times of pain and fear; in times of a hurting heart; all the time. His name is Jesus and all we have to do is call out His name.

When you’re down and troubled
And you need a helping hand
And nothing, whoa nothing is going right.
Close your eyes and think of me
And soon I will be there
To brighten up even your darkest nights.

You just call out my name,
And you know where ever I am
I’ll come running, oh yeah baby
To see you again.
Winter, spring, summer, or fall,
All you have to do is call
And I’ll be there, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You’ve got a friend.

Our forever friend is Jesus, but the friends we’re given by God, are a gift beyond measure. They can be your lifeline when problems assail you – your support when you feel hopeless or lost – and when you share the same faith, they can lift you up when you’re afraid or tough decisions need to be made.  Praise God for placing these angels in your life and lean on them when you need them.

Posted in Friendship, Jesus | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

NO WORDS

Posted on August 29, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Dear God, I surrender . . .

Posted in Uncategorized | 1 Comment

MEMORIES OF SUMMER

Posted on August 28, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY KATHY BOECHER©

Ancient days,

Tranquility and peace,

Time to ponder all that is important,

Moments to smell the flowers,

To enrich,

To delight,

To foster imagination,

Through tendrils of motion,

Inspired rainbows of color,

Gentle breezes,

Quiet,

Peace,

Yet even in that serenity,

Lies turmoil,

Fear and anxiety,

Death,

Time changes,

We wonder where those winsome days have gone,

We long for one brief moment,

When we can simply be alone with God,

To travel this earth with Him,

To be lifted through the abyss,

To be carried by His strong arms,

We don’t have to wait,

He’s with us always,

Even unto the end of the world.

Posted in Uncategorized | Comments Off on MEMORIES OF SUMMER

BLESSINGS THROUGH LIGHT

Posted on August 27, 2022 by atimetoshare.me
ART & POETRY BY PAUL & KATHY BOECHER

Sunlight dances across brilliant blue skies,

Weaving a kaleidoscope of light and color,

Twisting and turning through boughs and leaves,

It balances just the right amount of a warm, comforting glow.

Each fragment of fractured light disperses into brilliance,

Tiny mirror like reflections float across the water,

Reflections of the blessings God sprinkles into our lives,

Capture those everyday things.

Cling to them with hugs of joy and thanksgiving,

Plant them firmly in your memory,

Never let them go,

They are God’s daily gifts to us.

Posted in Art & Poetry by Paul & Kathy Boecher, God, grace | Tagged , , , , | 7 Comments

NOT DEAD YET!

Posted on August 26, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

It may seem that anyone over 70 is ready for the grave, but we still have a lot to offer.  About one third of U.S. Senators are over 70 – nice part time job for a retiree – but I digress.  I was referring to the average Joe over 70 who has something worthwhile to contribute to society.

We often look at age as something way off in the distance – not pertaining to us – something our parents and grandparents are – until time catches up with us and we’re part of the senior generation.  What a rude awakening – a cruel joke, maybe – a fact of life which we must all face.  The benefits for seniors includes discounts at various venues, getting offered a seat on the bus (sometimes,) they get to know their doctors personally and they get to collect the unemployment benefits that were taken out of their pay checks every day of their working lives.  Isn’t that special.

You are often considered useless, because you’re physically wearing out and your mind isn’t as sharp as it used to be.  You don’t grasp technology and still use basic math skills to make change or balance a check book.  You grew up saving everything only to be living in a disposable society.

As a golden ager, I wish to say that I am not dead yet.  I still have a brain and a body that works most of the time. I have years of wisdom stored up in my pea sized brain and tons of experience in child rearing, teaching, encouraging, using my writing to reach peoples’ hearts and a whole lot more. Let’s look beyond the years and at the remaining days of these wonderful contributors to society.  They have much to give and deserve your respect.

Posted in aging, America, Inspiration | Tagged , , , , , , | 4 Comments

LIFE GIVING WATER

Posted on August 25, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Yesterday the clouds were heavy with rain – the air grew oppressive under the weight of high dew point levels.
Within minutes the ominous clouds emptied in sheets of torrential rain upon the earth.
Within seconds the air lightened. The clouds were replaced with pristine blue skies.
In those brief moments, the earth was cleansed and refreshed.
We experience similar storms in life.
We can become burdened with the weight of sadness, worry, anxious thoughts.
We might gasp for air at times, thinking relief will never come.
Our hearts grow cold, our souls weary, our bodies and minds dry up
and sometimes our spirit dies.
It is then that God sends His refreshing waters – to renew us,
to satisfy us and to give us strength.
That living water is presented to us through His Holy Word.
It is the only place to find the rejuvenation that brings new life.

Posted in Bible, Life, Poetry by Kathy Boecher | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

A DOG NAMED BOB

Posted on August 24, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Nothing much happened from one day to another in Bob’s life.  Each day was a complete re-run of the day before. As he sat waiting, watching and hoping for a shot at the disturbing Blue Jay that found great joy in driving him nuts, he nibbled on the last of his pancakes. A drip of syrup curled its way down to his chin. Bob wasn’t much for manners, so he didn’t do anything about it. Soon that little drip grew into a big globule and fell onto the plate, leaving a faint residue upon Bob’s chin.  He intently focused on the window in front of him. How could he be responsible for the stickiness on his face.  He’d get to that later.

Just as he was about to give up and call it a day, the pesty Blue Jay arrived and perched atop the mailbox. Bob became annoyed – his annoyance turned to panic – his panic drew him into a complete state of defiance. What should he do? Get the pellet gun? Call the department of natural resources? Finally the answer came to him. He found one of those flat rate shipping boxes and a butterfly net. Off he went on a crusade for the elusive Blue Jay.

Unbeknownst to the poor bird, Bob came at him from behind, encircling him with the net and placing him in the box. He addressed it to a Beagle friend in New Jersey who he wasn’t particularly fond of.  No matter how hard he tried he was unable to close the container, since he didn’t have thumbs. Bob was a dog, you see.

So the Blue Jay lived to see another day and Bob, the dog would try again tomorrow. 

Posted in Humor, writing | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments

ANGELS AMONG US

Posted on August 23, 2022 by atimetoshare.me

Your life seems to be traveling along normally and then, out of nowhere, another stumbling block – another unexpected surprise – another problem. It’s at those times we need God’s protection the most. I know He has an army of angels at my disposal.  My own particular guardian angel has been through quite a life and has earned her wings a thousand times over.  As my life slows down, I’m certain that she’s ready to retire.

Talk about dangerous encounters – I’ve had several.  Maybe it’s because of my naivety – lack of common sense or just plain stupidity, but you might call me a walking disaster area. When I was a young mother selling Tupperware, I found myself stranded on a bridge with an overheated car. My main concern wasn’t the car, but getting to my destination, so I could peddle my wares.

A kind man stopped and asked how he could help. He offered to take me to where I was going. Little did he realize that I had a ton of stuff with me. I left my vehicle and blindly accepted his offer of help.  He could’ve been a serial killer. On theway, he told me he had some frozen meat in his trunk and asked if I’d like to buy some. I told him, “No, but I have some containers he might like to purchase to put the meat in.” Neither one of us made a sale during that exchange. He dropped me off at my destination.  In retrospect I  wonder what could’ve occurred had not my guardian angel been with me.

Another time I was driving my old Monte Carlo home when the tie rod broke. I continued driving, not knowing the risk. Somehow I managed to steer the car for more than a mile before pulling over.  A friend came to my rescue and couldn’t believe that the car made it as far as it did.

Again, while driving our stick shift car full of kids, the stick came out in my hand as I downshifted.  All I could think to do was push it back in place so I did and it miraculously continued to work.

Some might believe that these were just happenstances, or that it might be a good idea for me to stay out of a car. I truly know God was watching out for me.  Sometimes we have to look for the miracles in our lives, but they’re there in more ways than we can imagine.

Thank you, Lord for defending me from danger even when I take foolish chances. I’ve done some pretty dumb things, but I know I can rely on your love and protection. As I approach the final years of my life, prevent me from making foolish decisions and watch over my guardian angel as well.  Amen!

Posted in angels, armor of God, Faith, trust | Tagged , , , , | 2 Comments