Elongated stalactites cling tightly to the eaves.The mercury within the thermometer dives to the opposite end. Time passes slowly as the skeletal branches of trees have given up the memory of the tender touch of rain and the warm sun, only to be replaced with thoughts of shriveling up and dying. Thus it is in the winter of life and yet for those who have not yet given up the battle against the elements, the war wages on. Soon it will be replaced with green pastures, streets of gold and perfect temperatures. In an instant the landscape will be covered with fluffy, new fallen snow.In an instant, we will be carried into paradise.
Today we’ll see our 46th president of the United States of America sworn in, along with the first female Vice President in our history. Speeches will be spoken, opinions stated and hopefully a peaceful transition will take place.
Our nation has become divided in the past number of years, spanning the inaugurations of other presidents. The division didn’t happen over night, but as with most separation it festers over time. The changes that have occurred in my lifetime alone have been cause enough to create bitterness, injustice, fear, anger, discontent and much more.
I was born half a year after Pearl Harbor was attacked. I didn’t witness the event, but the effects of that horrific day were not forgotten. I grew up when the atomic bomb and its results were made known, when a cure for polio was found, when AIDS was discovered, when technology exploded. I watched history unfold on my television set, when the first astronaut set foot on the moon, when a president resigned because of a scandal, when another president was killed by a sniper as he and his wife paraded in an open convertible down the streets of Dallas. I was witness to that same president’s brother’s assassination as he ran for president. I also watched as a Christian leader bringing the plight of his people to the forefront had his life snuffed out. I watched when terrorists highjacked planes and crashed them into the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and a field in Pennsylvania.
In all of these situations, I was constantly reminded that we were Americans first – that we were united by our love of this country and our allegiance to it – that we were willing to die for it. That was the common ground that kept us together.
We may not all approve of the man who will lead America for the next four years. We may not have approved of the one who is leaving the office today. We all have our opinions and as long as we refuse to budge, the divide will grow wider and deeper every day.
We do have a common ground. That ground is the country we have grown to love – the freedom to have different opinions and beliefs – the laws established by wise men who didn’t take the task lightly – the dreams to push forward and build a business or a house or a life free from tyranny.
Today, let’s begin the search for common ground. Let’s pray that our new president is successful and that the country will come together through him. Let’s pray that patriotism continues to make a comeback and that we learn to care about each other rather than run each other down. Let’s also pray for our outgoing president and his family for their service to our country. Against many obstacles, great things were accomplished under his command.
It has to start somewhere and we, the people are the ones who can make it happen.
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior.” 1 Timothy 2:1-3
My husband has been blessed with such a beautiful artistic mind. It doesn’t only show up in his paintings and sculptures, but also in the way he thinks. He always seems to be creating, even when he’s asleep. An artist’s mind never really sleeps.
Imagine the complexity of the mind of God. He never sleeps. His creation is so intricate in its design. All the math and science developed over the centuries is just a speck in the scheme of things. When a scientist looks through a microscope it becomes apparent. The geometric patterns – the colors – the beauty of even a deadly virus. Everything that was created by the Master Artist is a thing of beauty.
We can try to imitate what God does through His creation, but we will never master it. Even Michelangelo and da Vinci couldn’t come close to giving us what God did. The great philosophers of the world could not come up with the wisdom that He shows us through His Word. The world’s composers of music, poetry and dance could never fully emulate the majesty of God’s creation.
However, God does instill us with gifts that can make this world a better place. Its up to us to use them and share those gifts with others.
The moments have turned into days, the days turn into years. We’ve watched you grow. We’ve seen success and now there come the tears. I know I should be happy for all that lies ahead. A family together – a new life to start – united again in God’s strong arms – so why do these tears I shed? It’s so hard to say goodbye to a family you call your own. When they were young and starting out, who would have ever known, that some distant day they would leave and cut a path alone. I know The Lord will be with them, but my heart is breaking inside. Take care of them, Lord, protect and sustain and with them always abide.
This poem was written when my oldest daughter and her family moved from Minnesota to S. Carolina, several years ago. It is filled with melancholy, but also hope in the Lord. Time has healed our hearts somewhat, but when we are separated from family it seems to take a long time to feel good again.
I know being together is necessary for us, but times are so different in this world now. Families used to live very close together – which wasn’t always the best scenario. They gathered at least a few times a year to have picnics, reunions, holidays, etc. Now families are separated by many miles, due to job opportunities or simply seeking a different climate or trying to go it alone. All of which are good reasons.
This year our youngest grandchild will be graduating from high school. She will have memories of a pandemic that altered her celebration and final year. She’ll undoubtedly regret not having memories of her Senior prom or attending football games, homecoming events, etc. Instead she’ll have a stories about isolation, masks, social distancing and learning online. She will be reminded of a political movement which divided her fellow Americans. She can teach her own children about tolerance and justice. She will also be able to tell them that God has always been in control of her life.
Our middle grandson is in his final year of college and now employed as an intern for a company he may eventually work for. He’s getting a taste of what his future might hold. Learning the ropes, so to speak. Venturing out on his own for the first time is a challenge no matter what age you are.
Our oldest grandson is teaching English in S. Korea and has been for the past two years. He’s the furthest away from us, but fortunately we can still contact him via email and Zoom. There are always ways to keep in touch now, unlike in the past when you had to travel to see each other.
Our children are in the prime of their careers and all successful at what they do. Health issues are beginning to enter their lives as the usually do when you’re near the 50 year mark. We see physical changes, see them becoming wise in their thinking, enjoying the fruits of their labors and sharing with others of their time, talents and generosity. We see gray hair and a few wrinkles (thankfully they’ve inherited their father’s youthful appearance.)
Time goes on – people move in and out of our lives – those we love move away or become busy. Through this pandemic we have learned to live apart from each other, but our lives will always be joined until we leave this earth. Even after that, the memories will remain and live on through the sharing of them.
No matter what age we are, it’s difficult to let go, but we always have the One true God to guide us through the mess of living – to lift us when we’re in the pits – to encourage us through His Word – to strengthen us through His Spirit – to help us survive anything the world may throw at us.
A couple years ago, I started teaching some senior acting classes. This led to a core group of myself and two others, venturing into a totally different world for us. The three of us began a collaboration on a series of episodes regarding three friends – aged 68, 78 and 83 – the different levels of aging and how to deal with them. It turned into a fabulous adventure, not only in the writing process, but using our own personal experiences and funny stories to create these episodes.
Yesterday we had our first recording session. The episodes will be available through the theatre and I’ll have complete information on that later. Our first story is about online dating. The three women are all widows and the two oldest have been out of the dating scene for many years. Using a computer is something new for all of them.
All of the stories deal with things we encounter as we age. The next will be about technology in general and includes another member of our cast – a young man in his 50s who is the tech support for all three ladies. We have another episode about death, funerals, and celebrations of life. The final one for this year has to do with the paranormal, complete with a seance and medium to guide us through it. We will continue this in the coming year as well. We’ve also added some commercial messages with another senior actor to deliver those. With each episode we tried to mix humor into the equation, because you need a sense of humor if you’re going to grow old.
All of the episodes were originally planned to be done as live performance on stage, but with the pandemic, we had to adapt to an ancient form of entertainment – the radio broadcast. All three of us grew up listening to stories on the radio. It was a different time, when imagination was sparked and creativity stirred. In a way, it’s funny how we have come full circle with this.
The process itself has been so energizing and has given us something to look forward to in these dark days of isolation. We all need that, no matter what our age may be. We need to have something that keeps us eager to get out of bed every morning and to get our creative juices flowing. Innovation always has a way of sneaking in when the times are tough. Necessity is the mother of invention, as they say. I never thought I’d be teaching classes online. I didn’t have the slightest idea that technology would someday be my friend, but here I am.
Getting old doesn’t have to be the end for us. With all that’s available to us in this world today, we have an abundance of opportunity. It’s up to us to make the best of it.
Fear is mentioned many times in the Bible. The phrase, “Do not be afraid” was spoken, when God’s angels announced the birth of the Savior to shepherds. The Psalms are loaded with references to fear in King David’s prayers. The epistles are also full of encouraging words about not being afraid.
Each day we face one kind of fear or another. We might fear growing older – we could fear taking a test we aren’t prepared for – we might be fearful of a medical diagnosis – we may be anxious about not doing well at a job interview. Our fears are real and God knows that. That’s why He continues to speak the words, “Do not be afraid,” throughout scriptures.
This human emotion is one that faces every human being at one point or another. When people are afraid, they sometimes turn inward and don’t want the help of others. There are times when fears or phobias become so overwhelming they affect the way we live our lives. Our anxious moments can limit us – destroy our inner strength – paralyze us at times.
Over the past century, their have been studies on how to deal with these maladies through psychotherapy or medication, but the real prescription is in God’s Word. When He tells us not to be afraid, He is encouraging us to depend on Him in times of trouble. He’s reaching out His strong hands to lift us up out of the pit of despair.
We are so loved by Him that we can believe He is going to keep His word. He will never leave us – He will lift us up – He will give us the strength to carry on – He has provided an answer for our sinful condition. Praise be to Him for being our rock and fortress. We never have to be afraid of anything again! REALLY! So forget about it.
Shortened days – lack of sunlight. Fields are white and streets now glazed. In the icy silence of a stolen breath, Through wild anticipation of lost moments soon remembered Anxiously we wait for one who promised he would come.
In a manger – in a stable – gently laid upon the hay, His return will be in glory, as a king he will arrive. Through his power and his wisdom he will judge and cast away All the evil and deception of the one whose only drive Is to make an Interruption in the path we’ve chosen.
Light in darkness – sweet redemption – all my sins he melts away. He brings life from deep depression – cradling in his arms each day. In darkest hours I make confession of my guilt. I bare it all. He forgives and grants me healing. He is there to take the fall. I know He will always catch His dear children.
Frozen landscapes now are hidden. Only pastures green remain. He will lead me by still waters ’til He comes to earth again. No fear of death will e’er surround me. I know it cannot sting me now. I’ve given him my one possession – it is my life I do endow. Take me, oh Lord and use me to thaw hearts to find your gentle warmth.
Anger is a powerful emotion. Not only can it be harmful to the person on the receiving end, but also to the one administering it. We seem to be on a road to self destruction when we see that fuse getting shorter and shorter – when the pressure cooker is about to let off steam – or Wiley Coyote once again sets a trap for himself.
What has happened to our world when the way to settle disagreements has come to this? The tongue is just as lethal as any weapon. The pen can be equally harmful. Words cannot simply be deleted. They leave an indelible mark on the receiver’s heart. When we allow anger into our lives, we are closing the door to logic, understanding and compromise.
Anger can eat away at us like a cancer. It’s a slow death with a great deal of pain involved. It starts small and grows into an uncontrollable force. Like all our other emotions, we have to put a cap on this one or it will destroy us.
Lord, God, you have every right to be angry with me and my behavior. I don’t deserve the wonderful forgiveness you grant through your Son. You are slow to anger. Help me to choose my words wisely. To think before I speak. To hold myself accountable. May I use your amazing example for guidance on how to control my own temper. Amen!
We’re living in a time of humongous things – huge issues – gigantic problems – overwhelming health concerns – political unrest and division. How on earth can we see any good in our world today? There are times I’d rather just go back to sleep rather than face another day of conflict. Yes, the little things have grown into huge things and often overtake us.
Maybe it’s time to start searching for the little things. What makes you happy? How can you be of help to someone else? Will your words make a difference in the life of someone? Can a random act of kindness touch your heart as well as the one that act is bestowed upon? Can a simple thing like saying please or thank you – I love you – I respect your opinion – alter someone’s thinking? Counting our blessings may seem futile when everything around us seems to be caving in, but I believe it is the perfect way to get out of the pit of sadness, depression or feeling total frustration.
I’m not saying we should go around with a Pollyanna attitude – smiling, being positive, never showing our true feelings. I’m suggesting that we look for the blessings in our lives. By doing so, we will not be overcome by the big things. That may be easier said than done, but if we look hard enough we will find the little things that make a difference.
There are days I’m just thankful to be able to breathe – to laugh – to enjoy a meal – to read a book. There are the small successes of creating a piece of poetry, a story or a piece of art. There are the smiles – the tears – the conversations – the listening – the watching of God’s amazing creation. Seeing how the simplicity of life eventually turns into a thing of beauty, will prove to be one of the greatest things we can give ourselves.
It seems to me that once we learn how to enjoy the little things, we will be able to handle the big things. Once we put away all the noise of discontent, we might have a chance of being contented.
We will have trouble in this world. There is no doubt about that, but we have been blessed by God in so many ways. It started with a little baby in a manger.
There is a story about a professor who used a large jar to make a point in his classroom. He filled the jar with rocks and asked his students if they felt the jar was full. When they replied that it indeed was, he added some small pebbles to the jar. The pebbles filled the empty spaces the rocks had left. He then went on to fill the jar with sand. His point was to clearly illustrate that if the sand had been placed in the jar first, the other things wouldn’t fit.
In other words, the rocks represent the important things in life – like our jobs, family, spouse, health, etc. The pebbles are things that we enjoy that fill our lives with satisfaction, like hobbies, friendships, house. The sand is equal to the fillers like social media, television, Internet, material possessions. These things often get in the way of spending time on the rocks and pebbles. In fact they often overtake them.
This story is used to help people learn to manage their time, but I feel it’s a good parable for all of us. We are the vessel and all the rocks, pebbles and sand fill our lives as we live it. There eventually is no room for anything else to come in. However there is an element that can still be added and that’s water. To be completely full, we need that water to nourish and feed our souls, bodies and minds – to wash away the dirt that overtakes our moments – to polish the rocks and pebbles and care for them.
If we were to set ourselves aside for a moment and focus on the important things – our real treasures, families, spouse, friends – there would be adequate room for all of them. There would be time to be with them and knit them into your being.
As we are living in such turbulent times, we need to look to the living water that is so gladly delivered by our Lord and Savior, Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life that will sustain us as we traverse the mountains of deception, hate and anger. We need to let Him in to truly fill us up with hope and peace.
There are days in my life when worry overtakes me. I often wonder why it’s so much a part of who I am. You could say, I’m the typical Jewish mother – even though I’m not Jewish.
Jesus was, however and maybe that’s why he spent a lot of time talking to His people about this dreadful trait. It’s easy to tell someone not to worry, but that isn’t going to stop them from worrying. Besides, we may not have experienced what they are going through.
Jesus walked in our shoes. He knows all our frailties and shortcomings. In Matthew 11:28, Jesus invites us to,
“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.”
He isn’t just talking about physical rest. He’s telling us that He gives comfort for our souls as well. I will undoubtedly continue to worry until I die, but my worries don’t have to depress me or dominate my thinking. I boldly thank God for giving rest to my weary mind and body, but mostly for relieving the doubts, worries and fears of my soul.
The road is full of stumbling blocks, we see them every day, Our path is full of hiccups which toughen up the way, Our journey to eternity is filled with indecision, We struggle through all daily tasks, requiring supervision, The signs that lead to nowhere, just clutter up our walk, We can’t decide which way to go, we simply talk the talk, But when we walk with Jesus, our road is made quite clear, The things that seemed impossible, lose all their haunting fear, Our daily walk is easy when we simply trust in Him, We’ll reach our destination and in the end we win!
“The years of our life are seventy, or even by reason of strength eighty; yet their span is but toil and trouble; they are soon gone, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 – Holy Bible
“All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players: They have their exits and their entrances and one man in his time plays many parts, His acts being seven ages.” William Shakespeare
Days in life grow shorter. They’re fleeting gasps for air. The span of seven decades at times were hard to bear. The memories of yesterday are clearer than today. The necessities of life grow dim – our lives soon pass away.
The bard referred to life of man as being seven stages The Bible also speaks of life as holding seventy pages. I’ll soon be seventy eight. Will I reach eighty three? I have so much to do. Will God still work through me?
When years go by and time runs out we could be terrified, But God has plans for all of us. For us his Son has died. He’s given us salvation, a pass to heaven free. He’s promised us a better place. It’s there for you and me.
Our years in life may vary, but one thing stands secure. Our time of grace upon this earth is always very sure. Lord, help me use these latter days to show my love for you – By sharing you with others and the wondrous things you do.
It’s only been a couple weeks since Christmas came and went. Some have packed away the lights and decorations. Most folks have taken down their trees and set them outside to be carried off by the waste management team. This most miraculous, mysterious event in the history of mankind has served its purpose for the time being. At least that’s what the world would have us believe, when in fact Christmas isn’t just a day. It’s the birthday of a King – the release from the bondage and chains of sin – the hope for eternity. Still, we carefully wrap it up and tuck it aside for another year.
We live in a time when we need this celebration to fill us with hope, peace and joy for a lifetime. Jesus came for all people. He is the hope of all generations, whether they are black, yellow, red or white. He chose us to share heaven with Him. What an honor.
Let us never forget – even though everything around us seems to be collapsing – though we have lost our ability to trust anyone for the truth – though we are living in confusing, difficult times – our Jesus, our God will always remain the same. His consistency is what we need to get through the muck of everyday life. Trust Him alone. Honor Him with your voice and prayers. Kneel down and adore Him, for He is our only hope, and know that you are a redeemed child of the King.
The first week of the new year has come and gone and with it, the tears from last year have spilled over the edge and into this one. You are completely aware of all the sadness that our country has experienced and continues to hang on to. I guess I was gullible enough to hope that we might have learned something from all those tears, but perhaps we still have much to sort through before we finally get it.
You know all of this, Lord. You keep track of every little detail of our lives – even our tears. You feel our sadness. You created us in your image and even though you are all powerful, you empathize with us because of your infinite love for us.
As much as I love my country, I feel so much sadness right now. Not only because of the state of affairs in this land, but because we have become so divided. This is something that’s been going on for a long time and I don’t expect it will be fixed any time soon, but I also have faith in your omnipotence.
My tears can be collected for many years to come. You have shown me, through your compassion, that you can make them disappear in an instant because of your power. You alone can turn the storms of life in to life giving water. I praise you and honor your holy name through Jesus, your precious Son. Heal my land. Heal our hearts and minds. Bring us back to you. AMEN!
“Tell me I’m clever, Tell me I’m kind, Tell me I’m talented, Tell me I’m cute, Tell me I’m sensitive, Graceful and wise, Tell me I’m perfect – But tell me the truth.” Shel Silverstein
When seeking the truth, we might not always get what we want. We may be searching for it in the mess of the media. We may long for it in the smile of a child. We might even see it in the face of love. Truth is a word that means honesty – purity – without embellishment. When truth is tarnished, how can we be sure of it? We’re told to be discerning, but it’s difficult to do so when you can’t tell the good guys from the bad.
We can learn what truth is from experience. We soon discover that everything we hear is not true. Even things we were taught as little children – like, “you can do amazing things if you just try” – become slanted by the voice of bully who can take the wind right out of your sails.
We suffer when the slings and arrows of untruth embed themselves in our hearts. We are exposed daily to lies and deception. Where on earth is it? The truth is, it no longer exists in common knowledge. Somewhere along the line the ninth commandment given to Moses has been forgotten.
“You shall not bear false witness against your neighbor.”
In my 78 years of living, I’ve been amazed to see the decline of truth in almost all areas of our lives. There is really no truth in advertising. We’re now simply entertained by commercials. We often don’t even remember the brand. In every day dealings, people lie to make friends, to influence others, to make themselves look good. We’ve seen an increase in lawsuits over the past 50 years – ranging from serving coffee which is too hot, to health care, to who knows what else. It’s become a national trend to sue our neighbor. Not to mention the untruths seen in the media, on the internet and in every day conversation.
So what is truth? Pontius Pilate asked that question when Jesus stood before him to be judged. It is an age old query posed by philosophers and theologians. The most scholarly in our world can’t see to come up with the right definition, because we’ve become numbed by the fact that a little white lie never hurt anyone. We’ve seen how sneaky the devil is in selling us stuff like that.
Truth in God’s terms isn’t a part-time activity. We can rely on His truth – the only truth which exists anymore. Jesus, said of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”
Who do you trust? There is none other we can trust, than the true Son of God. His Holy inspired Word, the Bible, gives evidence of this truth.
As I reach the end of my years, I find I have a lot of good information stored up in this old decrepit mind of mine. If I don't write it all down, it may vanish and no one will have the advantage of my thoughts. This is why this blog exists. I love the Lord, Jesus with all my heart and soul. I know I'm undeserving of all He's done for me, but I also know that His love is beyond my comprehension.
I've always wanted to write. I never kept diaries, but tucked my thoughts in my head for future reference. I use them now in creating stories, plays, poetry and my blog.
I continue to learn every day. I believe the compilation of our time spent with God will have huge affect on the way we live. I know I'm a sinner and I need a Savior. I have One through Jesus, Christ.
My book, "Stages - a memoir," is about the seven stages of life from the perspective of a woman. It addresses all the things girls and women go through in life as they travel it with Jesus, and it is available on Amazon.com.
Life is a patchwork of moments — laughter, solitude, everyday joys, and quiet aches. Through scribbled stories, I explore travels both far and inward, from sunrise over unfamiliar streets to the comfort of home. This is life as I see it, captured in ink and memory. Stick around; let's wander together.
God's amazing grace removes walls and replaces those barriers with Jesus, freedom from sin's consequences, freedom to forgive, and freedom to love unconditionally.
atimetoshare.me 
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