Someone once said that life is made up of:
THE TENDER TEENS
THE TEACHABLE TWENTIES
THE TIRELESS THIRTIES
THE FIERY FORTIES
THE FRETFUL FIFTIES
THE SERIOUS SIXTIES
THE SACRED SEVENTIES
THE ACHING EIGHTIES
SHORTENING BREATH
DEATH. SOD. GOD.
Patricia Lorenz, a Daily Guideposts writer had the following to say about this humorous depiction of life.
"When I first heard this little version of the stages of life, I was in my late thirties, which hadn't been 'tireless' at all. In fact, with four young children and various part-time jobs, I'd been 'exhausted' most of the time.
Now that I'm in my 'fiery' forties, believe me, there are days I don't feel fiery at all. Most days, in fact.
What's 'fretful' about the fifties? None of my friends in their fifties are 'fretful'...'tireless', perhaps, and other times 'aching' with exhaustion from working and playing so hard. And a dear aunt in her sixties is 'seriously' enjoying life. A dear friend in her seventies, is quite 'teachable' as she takes one college course after another. The white haired octogenarian down the block who just retired is as 'fiery' as they come, actively involved in politics, especially issues concerning the elderly.
It's a fact to be accepted and treasured: We can all be exactly what we want to be at any stage in life."
"At 20 we worry about what others think of us. At 40 we don't care what others think of us. At 60 we discover they haven't been thinking about us at all." UNKNOWN
Bette Davis reminds us that..."Old age is not for sissies." So let us continue on this journey, chuckling as we go, bringing to mind the scripture reference..."Laughter is good medicine" (Proverbs 17:22)
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
AGE~A MATTER OF THE MIND
Mark Twain once said:
"The issue of age is a matter of the mind. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!"
My Mama always expressed it this way: "I would never want to be any age but the age that I am today." Once again, I agree with my Mama.
As we age, it is critical that we continue to keep a favorable perspective about the aging process, after all, what choice do we really have!?! Just like the days, months, and years in our past, we can choose how we respond to our circumstances as we move forward in our lives. As we begin to notice more and more lines on our faces, we can consider the following quote by Thomas Bailey Aldrich: "To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent-that is to triumph over old age." Our inner beauty and our wisdom that has come with the longevity can begin to take over and shine.
Eleanor Roosevelt was quoted as saying: "Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art." and H. L. Mencken said it like this: "As the arteries grow hard, the heart grows soft."
And as the years go by, we begin to know more and more loved ones who have passed away and gone on ahead of us, many before their 50th birthday. As we remember these special people in our lives, this truth aids us in recognizing the gift that our life really is! An unknown author asserts: "Do not resent growing older-many are denied the privilege."
Soon, we will look at some humor related to this aging process.
"The issue of age is a matter of the mind. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter!"
My Mama always expressed it this way: "I would never want to be any age but the age that I am today." Once again, I agree with my Mama.
As we age, it is critical that we continue to keep a favorable perspective about the aging process, after all, what choice do we really have!?! Just like the days, months, and years in our past, we can choose how we respond to our circumstances as we move forward in our lives. As we begin to notice more and more lines on our faces, we can consider the following quote by Thomas Bailey Aldrich: "To keep the heart unwrinkled, to be hopeful, kindly, cheerful, reverent-that is to triumph over old age." Our inner beauty and our wisdom that has come with the longevity can begin to take over and shine.
Eleanor Roosevelt was quoted as saying: "Beautiful young people are accidents of nature, but beautiful old people are works of art." and H. L. Mencken said it like this: "As the arteries grow hard, the heart grows soft."
And as the years go by, we begin to know more and more loved ones who have passed away and gone on ahead of us, many before their 50th birthday. As we remember these special people in our lives, this truth aids us in recognizing the gift that our life really is! An unknown author asserts: "Do not resent growing older-many are denied the privilege."
Soon, we will look at some humor related to this aging process.
Monday, June 15, 2009
PURPOSEFUL LIVING
As a 50 something woman, I have come to realize that purposeful living is a must.
One thing that I have learned is that this means that I no longer feel pressured to do "this" or "that"...but, instead, I desire to be intentional in choosing to spend my hours, my days, my months in ways that have meaning for me personally.
I am content to say that today was a day filled with whole-hearted living for me.
Now, obviously, this idea of purposeful living can be defined a number of different ways, but for me, it includes three things: FAITH, FAMILY, and FRIENDS.
Today, I spent the day with one of my precious sisters, one of my FFs (forever friends from grade school), along with another friend, and sixteen women who have a goal of recovery from past addictions. Our day was spent in fellowship as my sister, my friends, and I sought to embolden and love on these women who are currently in a vulnerable state. We took a drive up to the North Georgia Mountains stopping at a scenic view, picnic site to devour BBQ sandwiches, chips, rice krispy squares and soft drinks. We then continued a little further north, ending up in a quaint cabin in the woods where we took in a beautiful waterfall, hikes, and rides on four-wheelers. Before heading home, we set up another buffet, this time of salads, deviled eggs, fruit, peach cobbler, and home-made butter pecan ice cream.
I left this group of incredibly courageous women to join my husband, just a little further north of this cabin in the woods...
Yes, this day was purposeful and for that, I am so grateful.
This day included FAITH...an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, FAMILY...a chance to serve alongside my sis and to end this day with my beloved husband, and FRIENDS...the good fortune of sharing the day with women that I care about.
One thing that I have learned is that this means that I no longer feel pressured to do "this" or "that"...but, instead, I desire to be intentional in choosing to spend my hours, my days, my months in ways that have meaning for me personally.
I am content to say that today was a day filled with whole-hearted living for me.
Now, obviously, this idea of purposeful living can be defined a number of different ways, but for me, it includes three things: FAITH, FAMILY, and FRIENDS.
Today, I spent the day with one of my precious sisters, one of my FFs (forever friends from grade school), along with another friend, and sixteen women who have a goal of recovery from past addictions. Our day was spent in fellowship as my sister, my friends, and I sought to embolden and love on these women who are currently in a vulnerable state. We took a drive up to the North Georgia Mountains stopping at a scenic view, picnic site to devour BBQ sandwiches, chips, rice krispy squares and soft drinks. We then continued a little further north, ending up in a quaint cabin in the woods where we took in a beautiful waterfall, hikes, and rides on four-wheelers. Before heading home, we set up another buffet, this time of salads, deviled eggs, fruit, peach cobbler, and home-made butter pecan ice cream.
I left this group of incredibly courageous women to join my husband, just a little further north of this cabin in the woods...
Yes, this day was purposeful and for that, I am so grateful.
This day included FAITH...an opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus, FAMILY...a chance to serve alongside my sis and to end this day with my beloved husband, and FRIENDS...the good fortune of sharing the day with women that I care about.
Saturday, June 13, 2009
BIRDS OF THE AIR
The weather was stormy a good part of the night. This morning, the sunrise was stunning and the birds are now singing in celebration of a new day and clearer weather.
This reminds me of a verse that my Mama used to quote..."...weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5B
When life brings storms, and it will, let us place our confidence in the one sure Entity that is immoveable, unchanging, and a sure refuge in times of trouble, God, Creator of heaven and earth.
As I type, I wonder, "Where do the countless birds I hear singing go during a threatening time like the one we experienced last night? The darkness, the driving rain, the thunder and lightning. Where do the birds find shelter?"
Matthew tells us the answer:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the BIRDS OF THE AIR; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Matthew 6:25-27
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. EACH DAY has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:33-34
This reminds me of a verse that my Mama used to quote..."...weeping may remain for a night, but rejoicing comes in the morning." Psalm 30:5B
When life brings storms, and it will, let us place our confidence in the one sure Entity that is immoveable, unchanging, and a sure refuge in times of trouble, God, Creator of heaven and earth.
As I type, I wonder, "Where do the countless birds I hear singing go during a threatening time like the one we experienced last night? The darkness, the driving rain, the thunder and lightning. Where do the birds find shelter?"
Matthew tells us the answer:
"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the BIRDS OF THE AIR; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?"
Matthew 6:25-27
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all things will be given to you as well. Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. EACH DAY has enough trouble of its own."
Matthew 6:33-34
Friday, June 12, 2009
LIFE CAN BE DIFFICULT
Life can be difficult sometimes...especially in today's times. Where are the answers to all of the hard questions that we encounter as we go through our days? How do we receive help when circumstances cause us to want to respond in anger or discouragement? What can we do to ease our concerns regarding our children, our grandchildren? We can GO TO THE BIBLE.
Last night as I was leading a Bible Study, my co-leader would repeatedly encourage the ladies to "go to the Bible." One of the young girls asks questions continually and I love that! We encourage all of the ladies by reminding them that there are no dumb questions...and to always ask in order to learn.
Well, last night this same young lady asked the question:
"What do you mean when you say, 'Go to the Bible?' ".
This opened an incredible opportunity to share with the entire group of 10 women why and how they can "go to the Bible." The preface in my Life Application Bible states, "A small change every day adds up to a changed life--and that is the very purpose of Scripture."
Of studying the Word, Alice Zimmerman, age 64 from Arkansas, says, "Over the past 20 years, I've learned the joy and value of studying God's Word. That study has helped me to have more confidence in myself--and also shown me how I can more effectively reach out to encourage and minister to other women. As a result, I've been able to help many hurting women in difficult marriages."
It is so important to trust God completely-no matter what happens! Circumstances may look very bad to us, on a human level, but God always has something in mind that will work out to His glory. The index in the back of most Bibles can prove to be so helpful when looking for that "just right" reference. When I flipped to 'anger', I found more than 20 verses that I can look up to learn more! Under the entry of 'peace', there were 15 cites listed.
My international, missionary nurse often says "This earth is not our home."
In times of trouble, when you really think about it, where else can we turn, but to God, our Creator?
Last night as I was leading a Bible Study, my co-leader would repeatedly encourage the ladies to "go to the Bible." One of the young girls asks questions continually and I love that! We encourage all of the ladies by reminding them that there are no dumb questions...and to always ask in order to learn.
Well, last night this same young lady asked the question:
"What do you mean when you say, 'Go to the Bible?' ".
This opened an incredible opportunity to share with the entire group of 10 women why and how they can "go to the Bible." The preface in my Life Application Bible states, "A small change every day adds up to a changed life--and that is the very purpose of Scripture."
Of studying the Word, Alice Zimmerman, age 64 from Arkansas, says, "Over the past 20 years, I've learned the joy and value of studying God's Word. That study has helped me to have more confidence in myself--and also shown me how I can more effectively reach out to encourage and minister to other women. As a result, I've been able to help many hurting women in difficult marriages."
It is so important to trust God completely-no matter what happens! Circumstances may look very bad to us, on a human level, but God always has something in mind that will work out to His glory. The index in the back of most Bibles can prove to be so helpful when looking for that "just right" reference. When I flipped to 'anger', I found more than 20 verses that I can look up to learn more! Under the entry of 'peace', there were 15 cites listed.
My international, missionary nurse often says "This earth is not our home."
In times of trouble, when you really think about it, where else can we turn, but to God, our Creator?
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
BALANCE
Yesterday, I met one of my best buddies at Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park, just minutes from the homes we have raised our families in.
This park has eighteen miles of maintained interpretive hiking trails, ideal picnic areas and a 1.25 mountain road that is also suitable for strenuous fitness.
As we hiked, we talked about how important it is to have balance in our lives. We agreed that as we let our life shine for God, our testimony can sparkle even brighter with moderation in all things.
These questions regarding balance can mean some of the same things to each of us...
"Am I getting enough exercise?"
"Is there enough "ME TIME" in my week?"
(i.e. a break for a bubble bath or an occasion to spend an hour reading a novel)
"Am I spending plenty of quality time with my children/grandchildren?"
"Do I take time out to spend time communing with and seeking God each day?"
FILL IN THE BLANK____________________ with your usual balance questions.
More likely, the details of our eagerness for steadfastness will be as varied as are different humans in this world. Your struggle or challenge to maintain balance may be poles apart from mine. However, one cool thing about God is that He is aware of and in the business of aiding us in our longing to gain balance in our lives.
As my girlfriend and I reached the crest of the trail , we gazed out over the splendid view from the top, stopping to rest for a moment before heading down the
1 1/4 mile mountain road.
It was then that I remembered something I had read recently about this very spot we were standing on...
"It was a swelteringly hot and clear Monday, June 27, 1864, when some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign occurred here. Preserved are historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and monuments. Interpreted here are the historic events where over 5,350 soldiers were killed in the battle fought here from
June 19, 1864 through July 2, 1864." (taken from www.nps.gov/kemo/)
Yes, this life is the real thing. This is not a dress rehearsal.
Let's all be on the lookout to create more balance in our days.
This park has eighteen miles of maintained interpretive hiking trails, ideal picnic areas and a 1.25 mountain road that is also suitable for strenuous fitness.
As we hiked, we talked about how important it is to have balance in our lives. We agreed that as we let our life shine for God, our testimony can sparkle even brighter with moderation in all things.
These questions regarding balance can mean some of the same things to each of us...
"Am I getting enough exercise?"
"Is there enough "ME TIME" in my week?"
(i.e. a break for a bubble bath or an occasion to spend an hour reading a novel)
"Am I spending plenty of quality time with my children/grandchildren?"
"Do I take time out to spend time communing with and seeking God each day?"
FILL IN THE BLANK____________________ with your usual balance questions.
More likely, the details of our eagerness for steadfastness will be as varied as are different humans in this world. Your struggle or challenge to maintain balance may be poles apart from mine. However, one cool thing about God is that He is aware of and in the business of aiding us in our longing to gain balance in our lives.
As my girlfriend and I reached the crest of the trail , we gazed out over the splendid view from the top, stopping to rest for a moment before heading down the
1 1/4 mile mountain road.
It was then that I remembered something I had read recently about this very spot we were standing on...
"It was a swelteringly hot and clear Monday, June 27, 1864, when some of the heaviest fighting of the Atlanta Campaign occurred here. Preserved are historic earthworks, cannon emplacements and monuments. Interpreted here are the historic events where over 5,350 soldiers were killed in the battle fought here from
June 19, 1864 through July 2, 1864." (taken from www.nps.gov/kemo/)
Yes, this life is the real thing. This is not a dress rehearsal.
Let's all be on the lookout to create more balance in our days.
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
LIFE IS FRAGILE
An old Turkish Proverb goes like this:
"Man is harder than iron, stronger than stone and more fragile than a rose."
Last night as my husband and I were getting ready to meet some close friends for dinner out, our home phone rang and the caller id established that our son was the one on the other end. He had just left to pick up his girlfriend for a dinner date. When I answered the phone, I knew right away that he was distraught. "Mom," he said, "I've been in a car wreck." Once I determined where he was, I told him that his Dad and I would be right there.
Our son is seventeen and 107 days old. He has been an excellent driver thus far, seemingly understanding the dangers of speeding as well as texting while driving. Yesterday, he was involved in his first automobile collision as he rear-ended a young mom who was accompanied by her six month old baby daughter. Thankfully, everyone was okay and no one was injured in this mishap.
An accident. That is what we call this because it was, obviously, not brought about intentionally. Still, our son was so upset and thankfully, he was also remorseful about his lapse in concentration which led to these circumstances.
In the short time since all of this came about, we have already heard plenty of reports about car accidents. Even his Dad and I shared tales in our past that we have been involved in. Some who shared their story cited trauma or tragically, the death of the driver or a passenger.
An incident such as this, even just a little fender-bender, causes me to take a pause and remember how fragile our lives really are. This reminds me that each day is a gift. It causes me to utter my most frequent prayer these days, which is simply two words: "Thank You".
"Man is harder than iron, stronger than stone and more fragile than a rose."
Last night as my husband and I were getting ready to meet some close friends for dinner out, our home phone rang and the caller id established that our son was the one on the other end. He had just left to pick up his girlfriend for a dinner date. When I answered the phone, I knew right away that he was distraught. "Mom," he said, "I've been in a car wreck." Once I determined where he was, I told him that his Dad and I would be right there.
Our son is seventeen and 107 days old. He has been an excellent driver thus far, seemingly understanding the dangers of speeding as well as texting while driving. Yesterday, he was involved in his first automobile collision as he rear-ended a young mom who was accompanied by her six month old baby daughter. Thankfully, everyone was okay and no one was injured in this mishap.
An accident. That is what we call this because it was, obviously, not brought about intentionally. Still, our son was so upset and thankfully, he was also remorseful about his lapse in concentration which led to these circumstances.
In the short time since all of this came about, we have already heard plenty of reports about car accidents. Even his Dad and I shared tales in our past that we have been involved in. Some who shared their story cited trauma or tragically, the death of the driver or a passenger.
An incident such as this, even just a little fender-bender, causes me to take a pause and remember how fragile our lives really are. This reminds me that each day is a gift. It causes me to utter my most frequent prayer these days, which is simply two words: "Thank You".
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