THE NEXT 20 YEARS

The Journey continues on Route 66

2010-03-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

Now that retirement is imminent I've decided to discontinue this journal and post on my WHAT'S NEW AT MY HOUSE journal. Please join me there

http://onyama.blogspot.com/
WHAT'S NEW AT MY HOUSE

CELEBRATING LIFE - AUTUMN 2009

2009-10-14T07:24:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Life

I’ve come to realize more and more that to enjoy life we must accept God’s will for us each and every day.

We know so little about God’s plans for us. We get caught up in trying to figure out the meaning of things. To trust in God does mean that there will always be unanswered questions. It is just so much better to leave things in the hands of Someone so much better qualified than I to handle things.

It took many years for me to come to this conclusion. I like many others liked to think that I was in control. I could make my plans and lists of things to do and then do them. I could hug my husband and my children and love them so much that there would never be any thing wrong in their lives. I could make a happy home and all would be well.

But then as we all know things just to not go our way all the time. Soon or later we all come to the conclusion that the one in control isn’t us for sure. Bad things happen to good people and there is only one thing we can do about it…and that is to trust in God.

I’ve always had a great faith in God. I was taught at an early age that to believe in Him was to have eternal life. I just don’t remember a time that He wasn’t apart of my life. My perceptions of Him and His purpose for my life is what has changed over the years.

We cannot go back and change the past, but we can accept ourselves as we are and stop relying on ourselves to fix our problems. He can turn our pain into gain and our mess into miracles.

I still have a plaque on my kitchen wall that says: Because I’m the Mom – that’s Why. I used that phrase many times when the babes were young and asked me over and over again WHY? I guess that is what God said to me when I questioned Why? Because I am God, that is why. Accepting that there is a time and a season for every purpose under heaven was not an easy lesson at all.

I am still a work in progress. Knowing that God is everything and that we are nothing without Him takes some time to accept. At least I was that way for me. My struggle to find JOY in life wasn’t easy at all, but I did.

One of my sons once looked at me and shook his head and asked - when did you get to be so holy acting? I didn’t realize that I was any different than I’d always been. After all I’d raised all my children in the faith and taught them what I knew about being a Christian. I always took the time to tell them of Jesus and to pray with them. We always prayed together as a family every day. What could be different about me? I’ve always been this way, I replied.

But I know now that I wasn’t always that way. Even though my heart was in the right place, my actions must not have been. My faith has grown much stronger and I did learn that powerful lesson to trust God and to celebrate each and every one of the days God gives to me..

I’m not perfect and I definitely do not say and do everything the right way. I still have trouble and get off the beaten track at times, but the Good Lord is always there for me when I need Him and I know now where my ever present help and strength comes from.

I no longer ask why, but try to learn from what ever happens.

ENGAGING IN LIFE

Every one likes to think that celebrating each day is a good thing. But not everyone thinks that God is the reason we can do just that. God is the only one who can give us life and He is the one that wants us to enjoy it abundantly.

SHARING LOTS OF THOUGHTS TODAY

2009-02-28T05:48:00.000-08:00

I’ve collected a whole lot of things for reflections and just thought I’d share them on this journal today…

If you don't have a dream, how are you going to make a dream come true?
Oscar Hammerstein

To know how to grow old is the master-work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living. ~Henri Amiel

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bow lines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sail. Explore–Dream–Discover
Mark Twain

People do with opportunities as children do at the seashore;they fill their little hands with sand,and then let the grains fall through,one by one, till all are gone.

T. Jones

Prepare for what you know is coming, and you'll be much better positioned to deal with what you don't know is coming. Stop rushing to catch up and start moving solidly ahead.

Ralph Marston

Capture The Moment

By: Author Unknown
The baby is teething, the children are fighting, and my husband just called and said to eat dinner without him. Okay, one of these days you'll shout, "Why don't you grow up and act your age?" ….. and they will.
Or, "You guys get outside and find yourself something to do and don't slam the door."
….. and they won't.
You'll straighten up their bedrooms all neat and tidy with bumper stickers discarded, bed-spread tucked and smoothed, toys all displayed on the shelves, hangers in the closets, animals caged, and you'll say out loud, "Now I want you to stay this way!"
…. and they will.
Then you'll prepare a perfect dinner with a salad that hasn't been picked to death, a cake with no finger traces through the frosting, and you'll say, "Now there's a meal for company."
…. but you'll eat it alone.
And you'll say, "I want complete privacy on the phone! No dancing around, no pantomimes, no demolition crews! Silence! Do you hear me?"
…. and you'll have it.
No more plastic tablecloths stained with spaghetti, no more anxious nights under a vaporizer tent, no more dandelion bouquets, no more iron-on patches, no more wet-knotted shoe strings, no more tight boots, or rubber bands on pony tails.
Now, imagine your lipstick with a point. No baby sitter on New Year's Eve. Washing clothes only once a week. No PTA meetings, no car pools, no blaring radios, having your own roll of tape, no more Christmas presents made out of toothpicks and paste, no more wet-oatmeal kisses, no tooth fairy, no giggles in the dark, no knees to Band-aid.
Only a memory of a voice crying, "Why don't you grow up?"
And in the silence will come the echo, "I did."

When I was in my younger days,

I weighed a few pounds less,

I needn't hold my tummy in

To wear a belted dress.

But now that I am older,I

've set my body free;

There's comfort of elastic

Where once my waist would be.

Inventor of those high-heeled shoes

My feet have not forgiven;

I have to wear a nine now,

But used to wear a seven.

And how about those pantyhose -

They're sized by weight, you see,

So how come when I put them on,

The crotch is at my knees?

I need to wear these glasses

As the prints were getting smaller;

And it wasn't very long ago

I know that I was taller.

Though my hair has turned to silver

and my skin no longer fits,

On the inside, I'm the same old me,

Just the outside's changed a bit

Author Unknown

God loves detours, so be prepared to change course.

Author Unknown

Detour is an old French word meaning ‘to turn away’. On the roads we have often met detours. Sometimes we mutter and give out about the inconvenience. But such a detour often takes us through roads we were never on before and as always we get back onto our main road again. The same can be said of God’s influence in our lives. Life often takes us on detours. Life never remains fully predictable. When the unexpected comes we can’t just stop and remain stagnant. That’s when a detour becomes an opportunity rather than a curse. God provides lots of opportunities, support networks, family and friends to be our signposts through any detour. Every change or new direction in life can be a source of growth and opportunity.

From Today is My Gift to You

There are many roads to take, some of them straight and narrow, some rough detours and many interesting loop trails that offer gorgeous landscapes before they rejoin the main road. One thing is for certain. It’s going to be an amazing trip

It’s not how old we are, but how vibrantly we live;

Not what our age is but what our attitudes are
William Arthur Ward

2009-01-13T06:53:00.000-08:00

Ever since before Thanksgiving my life has just been off key. I'm striving to get back on track. I'm doing a new Bible Study. Reading my Bible more often and reading several uplifting devotionals each morning.

On a positive note - I have been managing to get in a little more prayer time these days. Today I got a revelation from God. First He

shared with me this part . . . .

"God loved the world so much He gave His only Son, Jesus Christ to save the world."

and then He gave me this part . . . .

"God loved the world so much,
He did not ask Pam to save the world -

His Son could do it quite well. . .

all by Himself ....

so take a load off

Dear God,

don't let our ideas about how, and where,

and when we should seek you,

get in the way of seeking you.

When giving us a gift, help us recognize it and accept it.

Amen.

No matter how old we get, if we were blessed with children

we remain mothers the rest of our lives.

A mother is the most important person on earth.

She cannot claim the honor of having built Notre Dame Cathedral.

She need not. She has built something more magnificent than any Cathedral --

a dwelling for an immortal soul, the tiny perfection of her baby's body.

Joseph Cardinal Mindszenty

We are not necessarily doubting that God will do the best for us;

we are wondering how painful the best will turn out to be.

C.S. Lewis

Just a few thoughts on a cold winter day

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam ( mostly known as 'ma')

Passing Our Faith On...

2009-01-10T10:46:00.000-08:00

CONSOLATION IN OUR LORD

What happened to the years? I asked

He said "for everything a time"

Where are my friends of long ago?

He said "beyond the hill you climb"

Why are my footsteps slower now?

He said "tis all within the plan"

But what of all my hopes and dreams?

He said "they mellowed with the man"

But there is still so much to do.

He said "be grateful for today"

The road to heaven seems so long.

He said "there is no other way"

But what of all the things I need?

He said "and do I not provide?"

Sometimes I even grow afraid.

He said "I am always at thy side"

My purse is thin, my coins are few.

He said "sufficient for the day"

And oftentimes I am wrongly judged

He said "care not what others say"

Oh to be peaceful and secure.

He said "all things are thine in Me"

My cross grows heavy with the miles.

He said "I'll lift it presently"

The future looks so bleak and grey.

He said "tis darkest before the dawn"

But who will share my lonely way?

He said "you have me to lean upon,

No love so lasting as My own,

No power greater than my hand,

For you belong to Me and this

is all you need to understand...

Author Unknown

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams.Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in,but with what it is still possible for you to do

Pope John Paul XXIII

I’ve started yet another Bible study out side of the weekly one I do at church.

In my study today it said:

Have you ever thought of the impact of your faith on your children’s future?

What difference can this realization make in your daily walk with God?

Our fullness of faith or lack of it will have an overwhelming impact on the heritage of our children.

So like any good internet surfer I decided to delve into the subject

just to see what I would come up with.

First I found out that:

Passing on our faith to our children may seem daunting, yet each parent can be effective in ways no one else can. Each child has a special bond with his or her parent that was designed by God. Because of this special relationship, parents have a greater opportunity to teach and profoundly influence their children than anyone else. When we speak from the heart in love about what is in our hearts from God's Spirit, it is more likely that we will reach them. Love is a very powerful motivator

Second I discovered that;

A new Barna study found that those who received more guidance from parents actively-engaged in applying God’s words on life and family formed deeper standards of faith in their lives

Third thought in this search was

You can't give what you don't have. Today there is an urgent need — a need to strengthen families from within. In order to give our children a deep and lasting impression, values must be handed down with greater influence and impact. A family must be far stronger than was previously necessary. Only when your family is strong will it have the necessary impact to reach the hearts of your children

Fourth this article said

We, like our children, need to grow as we get older. Throughout our journey, it is the mental, emotional andspiritual growth we make that defines our lives, that improves ourlives. Growth affects almost every aspect of our lives. Our thinking,our beliefs, our minds, our philosophy, our morals, values andethics, our politics. How we grow affects our relationships withour family and children, our friends, our co-workers and our jobs.It affects our very outlook and enjoyment of life, our heart andour happiness.

Then I found this parable that sums up what passing on our faith gives us

Parable of the Spoons

A holy man was having a conversation with the Lord one day andsaid, "Lord, I would like to know what Heaven and Hell are like. "The Lord led the holy man to two doors. He opened one of the doors and the holy man looked in.

In the middle of the room was a large round table. In the middle of the table was a large pot of stew which smelled delicious and made the holy man's mouth water.The people sitting around the table were thin and sickly. They appeared to be famished.

They were holding spoons with very long handles and each found it possible to reach into the pot of stew and take a spoonful, but because the handle was longer than their arms, they could not get the spoons back into their mouths. The holy man shuddered at the sight of their misery and suffering.

The Lord said, "You have seen Hell."They went to the next room and opened the door. It was exactly the same as the first one. There was the large round table with the large pot of stew which made the holy man's mouth water.

The people were equipped with the same long-handled spoons, but here the people were well nourished and plump, laughing and talking. The holy man said, "I don't understand."It is simple" said the Lord, "it requires but one skill. You see,they have learned to feed each other. While the greedy think only of themselves

Today,people wonder if there is any hope for this world we live in. We seem to have a generation coming up who have no hope. We can only pass on to others what we have truly received ourselves. God has ways of blessing us. We must recognize them, and having benefited by them, pass on the record of our experience to the coming generation.

God will provide our needs, but He does not promise to gratify our wants
We must beware lest we despise the day of small things

God has His hand on the coming generation. We must fulfill our part and testify of the goodness and wonder of our God, and pass it on to the coming generation.

Primarily, our outstanding objective should be to pass on the Standard of Faith and Hope.The Hope that has brought men through two Millennia from the Cross of Christ,to look into the Face of the Rising Sun at the dawn of each day, and cry with
triumph. . .This is the day the Lord hath made!

Today - this day - is the only day any of us are promised. We may not live to see tomorrow
For that reason, live today, love today, as if it were your last

If you have made another person on this earth smile,

your life has been worthwhile.

Sr. Mary Christelle Macaluso

With Hope in my heart,

Pam

(mostly known as ‘ma’)

TIDINGS OF COMFORT AND JOY

2008-12-29T15:34:00.000-08:00

Tidings of Comfort and Joy

God rest ye merry, gentlemen, let nothing you dismay,

Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day;

To save us all from Satan’s power when we were gone astray

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy

Now to the Lord sing praises all you within this place,

And with true love and brotherhood each other now embrace;

This holy tide of Christmas all others doth deface

O tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy;

O tidings of comfort and joy

God bless the ruler of this house,

and send him long to reign,

And many a merry Christmas may live to see again;

Among your friends and kindred that live both far and near—

That God send you a happy new year, happy new year,

And God send you a happy new year

These are only a few of the verses of this old Christmas carol.
The words TIDINGS OF COMFORT and JOY popped right out at me as a glanced at a book lying on my table this evening.

Our family had such a terrify experience this year when my little grandson died so suddenly that I thought this is what we all need right now. COMFORT and JOY. In truth we already have it. We can take comfort in the fact that Jesus was born on Christmas Day. We shouldn’t be dismayed because we have the belief instilled in our hearts that Jesus came to save us all.

This life on earth is so short. It is with our faith in hand that we can have JOY because we know that life doesn’t end. Our earthly bodies fade away, but our souls will be taken to be with our Lord.

So with my heart and hand I wish

That God send you a happy new year, happy new year,

And God send you a happy new year

Words truly written from heart to yours,
Pam ( mostly known as ‘ma’)

2008-12-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

My beagle summer of 2008

He loved sitting in his chair at the camper

This is last winter when we had a huge snow storm

His favorite place to be

Or maybe this was his very favorite

He loved the sunshine!

We said good bye today - he will always be remembered.

Getting old is not easy

Saying Good bye

is even harder.

OLD AGE

2008-12-13T04:42:00.000-08:00

When I read this poem I decided it was a very good philosphy to live with so I've put in my journal today so that I'll remember it and try as it says to rejoice in what was .

Old age, I decided, is a gift.
I am now, probably
for the first time in my life,
the person I have always wanted to be.
Oh, not my body!
I sometimes despair over my body ...
the wrinkles, the baggy eyes,
and the sagging butt.

And often I am taken aback
by that old person that lives in my mirror,
but I don't agonize over those things for long.

I would never trade my amazing friends,
my wonderful life, my loving family
for less grey hair or a flatter belly.
As I've aged, I've become more kind to myself,
and less critical of myself.
I've become my own friend.

I don't chide myself for eating that extra cookie,
or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly
cement gecko that I didn't need,
but looks so avant-garde on my patio.

I am entitled to overeat, to be messy,
to be extravagant.
I have seen too many dear friends leave this
world too soon; before they understood
the great freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play
on the computer until 4 a.m.
and sleep until noon?

I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes
of the 60's, and if I,at the same time, wish to
weep over a lost love... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is
stretched over a bulging body,
and will dive into the waves with abandon if I choose to,
despite the pitying glances from the bikini set.

They, too, will get old.
I know I am sometimes forgetful.
But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten .
and I eventually remember the important things.

Sure, over the years, my heart has been broken.
How can your heart not break when you lose a loved one,
or when a child suffers, or even when a beloved pet
gets hit by a car?

But broken hearts are what give us strength and
understanding and compassion.
A heart never broken is pristine and sterile
and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I am so blessed to have lived long enough
to have my hair turn grey, and to have my youthful
laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died
before their hair could turn silver.
I can say "no", and mean it.
I can say "yes", and mean it.

As you get older, it is easier to be positive.
You care less about what other people think.
I don't question myself anymore.
I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question,
I like being old.
It has set me free.
I like the person I have become.

I am not going to live forever,
but while I am still here,
I will not waste time lamenting what could have been,
or worrying about what will be.
but will continue to rejoice in what was.

author unknown

2008-11-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

DS#3 with his youngest son, my precious little grand son that passed away

November 22, 2008

We experienced such joy at my grandson's birth and celebrated his baptism and his 1st and 2nd birthdays and he gave us all such joy. He will never be forgotten even though he can no longer celebrate with us.

Every mother wishes she could take away any pain that might come their child's way and I still do ...I wish I could....

if I could I'd protect you from the sadness in your eyes

give you courage in a world of compromise

yes, I would if I could

I would teach you all the things

I've never learned and

I'd help you cross the bridges that I've burned

yes, I would if I could

I would try to shield your innocence from time

but the part of life I gave you isn't mine

I've watched you grow,

so I could let you go

if I could I would help you make it through the hungry years

but I know that I could never cry your tears

but I would if I could

yes, if I live in a time and place where you don't want to be

you don't have to walk along this road with me

my yesterday won't have to be your way

if I knew I would try to change the world

I brought you to and there isn't very much that I could do

but I would if I could

oh baby I just want to protect you

and help my baby through the hungry years

'cause you're part of me

and if you ever ever ever need

I said a shoulder to cry on or just someone to talk to

I'll be there, I'll be there

I didn't change your world

but I would if I could ...

Words from a song by Celine Dion

To my son from my heart

Thoughts on a quiet Friday evening...

2008-11-14T16:37:00.000-08:00

Life is a highway
On which the years go by…
Sometimes the road is level,
Sometimes the hills are high…
But as we travel onward
To a future that is unknown
We can make each mile we travel
A heavenly stepping stone.

Helen Steiner Rice

Father, as I travel life’s highway help me to keep the road in excellent traveling condition through constant observation and necessary repairs.
Assist me in observing all signals and avoiding dangerous curves and detours.

I’m on my way to Route 65 this year. Next year I’ll be there and it’s proving to be quite a disturbing thought to me. At 50 I didn’t feel old and had plenty of energy and at 60 I had a slow day once in awhile and bounced back to spur onward. At 64 + I have more slow days than not and the road is bumpy for me.

I hear about lovely ladies in their 80’s and all their accomplishments and that gives me hope as I want to be active and enjoy life. The trouble is that more often than not, I just do not enjoy the things I used to.

I cruise along each day and travel the distance required, but I’m always on the lookout for something new or unique. Like the full moon half hidden by the clouds this morning or the geese in the farmer’s field on the way home. I would rather spend an hour watching the sun set than watching the television.

I look in the rearview mirror going down the road and wonder how I’ve managed to travel so far and still not know exactly what I’m meant to do. I had real purpose when my family was all home and even though I’m enjoying a soft cushion of living a solitary life, it often seems that there is still more I’m meant to do.

I have a feeling that just down the road and over the hill are a few more things I am meant to accomplish. I guess I’d best keep fueled up so I’m ready.

Often your tasks will be many
and more than you think you can do
Often the road will be rugged
and the hills insurmountable too
But nothing in life that is worthy
is ever too hard to achieve
If you have the courage to try it
And you have the faith to believe
For faith is a force that is greater
Than knowledge or power or skill
And many defeats turn to triumph
If you trust in God’s wisdom and will.

Again by Helen Steiner Rice

Written from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as ma)

JOY, SORROW, TRIUMPH AND DEFEAT

2008-09-21T11:27:00.000-07:00

Brain bloat is the result of too much stuff in the head.

That's why it takes 50 or 60 years of input

before the forgetful symptoms begin manifesting.

After all those years of cramming stuff into your head,

it finally begins overflowing like a water glass

unable to hold another drop

without shedding something already there.

I don't know how I got over the hill without getting to the top.

Author Unknown

As summer is ending very soon, I thought I’d best do a post here in this journal. I’ve experienced some very different joys, triumphs, sorrows and yes, even defeats this year.

I was just about as joyful as they come when camping season began. The cold and bleakness of winter had just about done me in.

I celebrated many triumphs as I loaded and packed up things for the camper. It wasn’t always easy to hull all that stuff to the car and then unload it once I got there, but I did it!!!

It was sorrowful only in the fact that my camping partner wasn’t there to enjoy it all with me. My DDH loved camping even more than I did. Yet I have many fond memories to tide me over til we meet again.

Defeat hit me in the knees. I was looking forward to hiking around and getting lots of exercise but the knees complained loud and strong so instead of exercise I got some well needed rest. I usually am so relaxed when I get home on Sunday evenings that it is very hard to get back in the working mode once more.

I was blessed by having all my children join me for one weekend at the campground. It’s so very hard to get them together and I was thankful they all took the time out to come. A family reunion it was. I loved seeing my grandchildren all together too.

The children I am camping with have been so good to me all summer. I wouldn’t be able to be there at all if it wasn’t for all their help. We each have our own trailers that sit in a row on joining campsites so I can truly say I’ve been blessed with the best neighbors ever this summer.

Only 4 more weeks of camping and then I’ll be home busily preparing for the holidays. I’ll never forget what a wonderful summer it has been.

Truly written from my heart to yours

Love,

Pam (mostly known as ‘ma’)

Years should be nothing to you.

Who asked you to count them

or consider them?

In the world of wild Nature,

time is measured by seasons only-

-the bird does not know how old it is-

-the rose-tree does not count its birthdays!

Marie Corelli

ROUTE 65

2008-04-15T18:20:00.000-07:00

ON ROUTE 65--choices

Every choice has certain benefits. And every choice has its costs.

If you are willing to bear the costs of a particular choice in order to enjoy the benefits, then go ahead with it.

If the costs are too high for you when compared to the benefits, then move on and find another, more appropriate choice.

When you adopt an attitude that life, or the world, or your community owes you something, you set yourself up for extreme disappointment. Realize instead that you are already living in a universe filled with abundance, and that creating meaningful value out of that abundance is up to you.

No matter who you are, where you are from, or what you have, a life of fulfillment requires personal effort, commitment and integrity from you.

It is through making continued positive choices that you line up life's abundance in ways that uniquely express your visions and values.

Every moment is a choice, and every choice is an opportunity to build real and meaningful value in your life. Your choices enable you to direct efforts so that those efforts add up to something great and desirable.

Through the choices you make, you have the power to access the very best of life. Choose often, choose wisely, choose with the highest intentions, and your choices will take you precisely where you wish to go.

Ralph Marston

I was looking for a pick me upper the other evening and the message above is what I found. Every choice has benefits and costs for sure.

My camping adventure cost me some big bucks for sure. I made the choice as I wanted to do something meaningful and something that would bring me joy.

If I’d put the money into my house or left it safe in the bank…it would be wasted. Who knows if I’d live long enough to enjoy it. My house has what is needed and to make it better would be nice, but there is no one there to enjoy it but me and the critters and we are pretty satisfied with the way it is.

If the cost gets to high for me to continue this lifestyle…camping that is…then I’ll have to move on but for the present all is paid and accounted for so I’m going to enjoy what I can.

Being away every weekend is putting some pressure on me to get things done around home and with the nice weather coming that means there will also be yard work to do and the extra hours on the weekend is when I used to get things done around here.

I realized that I’m already living in a universe filled with abundance, and that creating meaningful value out of that abundance is up to me.

What I’m doing does sound a little self centered for sure and I know that there are starving people in this world and that makes me think sometimes I do not deserve such pleasures. This is the part I need to ponder.

The sub title I’m giving to this year is ON ROUTE 65. I’m moving right along on my journey to age 65 . I found the title in an ad for insurance. It caught my eye and so I’ll use it for ROUTE 65, 66, 67….or how many ever years there are to follow in this journal.

Your choices will take you precisely where you wish to go.

There was never a truer word spoken for sure. We do make our lives what they are. I complain that I don’t like the job I do, but I choose it. I never planned to work at all so there you have it…

I hope to add more soon as I’ve sadly neglected this journal and I really want to put down what happens to me in the next 20 years. It will be a different season of my life and I’m not sure yet what it will bring.

Words truly written from my heart,

Pam (mostly known as ‘Ma’)

FOLLOWING MY DREAMS

2008-03-26T17:50:00.000-07:00

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream.

Samuel Clemens (aka Mark Twain)

It’s been quite awhile since I made an entry in this journal. It’s been a long cold winter in Northern Ohio and I’m afriaid I’ve not had a lot of encouraging thoughts. Plans for camping seem like a dream far off in the distance. This entry is about my camping.

Two of my children and their families started camping together a good number of years ago and I always had fun going to visit them on a Saturday or Sunday, but truth be told I longed to stay there with them. The trouble was I had no camper.

I did have one years ago, but had to give it up when my husband died as I could no longer afford it. The years immediately following his death were very lean indeed and I had all I could do to keep the family and our home going.

He’s been gone now 15 years and all of my children have gone on to be adults with their own homes and families. Finally, I have the luxury of thinking about myself and what I’d like.

Having a little nest egg set aside it was hard to decide how to spend it. I could get new furniture or carpeting or I could save a little more for a new car or I could buy a camper. I thought about it long and hard and made the decision to buy the camper.

The reality of not being able to retire next year as I’d hoped really hit me hard and so as a little compensation I’ve rewarded myself with a place to go that I’ll enjoy .

The nice part is that I’ll be camping alongside some of my children so if I have any problems they’ll be right there to help.

Children are of great comfort to us in our old age, and they help us get there much more quickly than we otherwise would.

If I have an opportunity to do something new and different, will I regret not having done it? Will I regret having played it safe and not having taken a risk? And on my deathbed (assuming there will be such a thing) will I regret not having done the new and exciting and different and having settled for the safe and convenient?

I know I won’t regret my decision and I certainly do plan to enjoy the camping season. I just hope I don’t get in the way of my children having fun…sometimes you act a lot different with your mother around…and I don’t want to spoil their fun. I’ll try not to be on top of what they are doing all the time so they can enjoy themselves.

If you could kick the person responsible for most of your troubles in the backside, you wouldn't be able to sit down for two weeks

I don't want to face disappointment later in life because I was afraid to take a chance and sail into uncharted waters. I am beginning a new season of my life. I don’t recall ever just thinking about myself. It’s going to be very interesting this next 20 years.

A ship is safe in harbor, but that's not what ships are for.

William Shedd

Written from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as ma)

CHRISTMAS DAY - 2007

2007-12-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

While there is time, Lord, May I use it well,

Tis gone in a moment,

One can never tell Which day is our last one,

With so much to do, All must be in order,

When summoned by You.

While there is time, Lord, And life is my own,

Let me bring gladness To someone alone.

Renew a small hope, Rekindle a dream,

For shadows are never As dark as they seem.

While there is time, Lord, Let me not waste

The chances You give me, I cannot replace.

Lend me Your wisdom, That I may learn

To give of myself, Nor ask a return.

Let me be gentle, Keep my words kind,

In spite of the worries, Crossing my mind.

And when at long last, Life's sun starts to set,

Let me have never

A cause to regret.

Grace E. Easley

WHILE THERE IS TIME...

I have some wonderful memories of our family celebration this year. I did my best to make it a happy one for all and I enjoyed all the work of shopping and wrapping to give it all too !

Next year will be different though, I say. But as I reflect this Christmas Day, who knows if I or they will be here next year. The only time we are ever sure of is now. I'm here now . They are there now.

LET ME BRING GLADNESS

LET ME BE GENTLE

LET ME HAVE CAUSE NEVER TO REGRET

These words are my prayer...as I grow older

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Words written from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as 'MA')

Lovely graphics by:

DS#6

@littlerainey.com

Reflections and more....

2007-10-20T13:49:00.000-07:00

START WITH YOURSELF

Author Unknown

When I was young and free and my imagination had no limits, I dreamed of changing the world. As I grew older and wiser, I discovered the world would not change, so I shortened my sights somewhat and decided to change only my country.

But, it too, seemed immovable. As I grew into my twilight years, in one last desperate attempt, I settled for changing only my family, those closest to me, but alas, they would have none of it.

And now as I lie on my deathbed, I suddenly realize: If I had only changed my self first, then by example I would have changed my family. From their inspiration and encouragement, I would then have been able to better my country and, who knows, I may have even changed the world.

The above words are said to be written on the tomb of an Anglican Bishop in the crypts of Westminster Abbey in London, England.

Didn’t we all have dreams that went unfulfilled and didn’t we all say words that we’d eat later on.

I remember saying my children would never do that….and they did. My husband and I were going to travel the countryside when he retired…and he died way before retirement came.

It’s good to make plans and to try to do the best we can, but if God has other plans, they will happen for sure.

The thing we don’t see in the here and now is the results of those plans he has for us. As I go along day to day I do try to make it the best I can, trying always to be flexible when the unexpected comes along.

I think ‘What surprises will there be today? The good Lord only knows.

In the news this week I read the following article:

'First' Baby Boomer Seeks Social Security Benefits The Nation's "FIRST" baby boomer applied for Social Security benefits Monday (October 15, 2007), part of an expected avalanche of applications from the post-World War II war generation. An estimated 10,000 people a day will become eligible for Social Security benefits over the next two decades

I still have a little way to go before the SS starts for me. I could have retired at the age of 60 with the Widow’s benefits I’d get from my husband but the great cost of health insurance keeps me working.

There are many days however, that I think I really don’t need that insurance after all. I’m healthy and never use it anyway. This is something I’m weighing over in my mind. I would love to quit working, but I’d never want to be a burden to my family, so I keep on going off to work each day.

Maturity means being emotionally and mentally healthy. It is that time when you know when to say yes, when to say no, and when to say WHOOPEE!

Hopefully I’ll be saying the big WHOPPEE soon.

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam (Mostly known as ‘Ma”)

graphics by: www.sherylsgraphics.com

Tags: maturity, whoppee

ENTHUSIASM AND ADVICE

2007-09-23T08:38:00.000-07:00

Time cannot be halted

In its swift and endless flight

For age is sure to follow youth

Like day comes after night.

Helen Steiner Rice

Do not cast me away when I am old; do not forsake me when my strength is gone.

Psalm 71:9 NIV

My still young soul is having problems with my rapidly aging body again. It seems that just when I have it all together, I find I’m not at all together.

It seems to me that if we all can remember to just love then we will be living the way we were meant to live.

If we all can remember to just love then we will be doing what God wants us to do.

If we all can remember to just love then it will not matter how many times we forget to dust or buy a loaf of bread.

It is what we are here for. It is what we are made for.

When we lose track of the "why" behind the "what" of each day. We don't have a way of prioritizing and ordering our task lists and our life's goals. We become buried under an avalanche of "to do's" and appointments without a reason or purpose for the whole burdensome schedule

For quite a few years now I’ve learned to put my trust in God for what is needed in my life. The tragic death of my DDH left me without much of anything. I had children to support and raise and I had a very low paying job. The wonderful thing is that God has always provided.

In coming to know Him better, we will find Him gently nudging us, revealing new insights to us, and opening doors of opportunity for us. Being rooted in faith gave me the strength needed to heal and recover from the adversities I faced I constantly look for ways to lift my self up when ever I feel down. But the devotionals, articles, and even books by my favorite authors -- are only supplemental

Believe that you deserve to be happy right now. Do not defer happiness a moment longer. Find joy in what you do every day

Let's appreciate our blessings and treasure them -- those that come to us, big and small, verbal and non-verbal. Let's not forget to thank those who blessed us with these treasures and let's share these same kinds of treasures with others

They say that women who know and practice their beliefs are more comfortable with who they are and the purpose for their lives.The more defined your values and ideals are the more committed you’ll be to living up to them. I’m hoping that as I grow older, I’ll be able live up to those principals more and more.

Some people are working backstage,

some are playing in the orchestra,

some are on-stage singing,

some are in the audience as critics

and some are there to applaud.

Know who and where you are.

Author Unknown

Just because it has taken a long time, or because you’ve tried and failed, don’t give up on those dreams. Every dream that’s in your heart, every promise that has taken root, God not only put it there, but He has every intention of bringing it to pass.

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as MA)

graphics by: www.untilthengraphics.com

With the Good Lord's Help

2007-08-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Yesterday is a cancelled cheque.

Tomorrow is a promissory note.

Today is the only cash you have, so spend it wisely.

Kay Lyons

Each day is a small fragment of a lifetime. We can't return to the past except within our memories. We don't know what the future holds for any of us. The only time we can spend is today and the only time we can touch is right now. It might seem an oversimplification but so many are either stuck in the past or immersed in what the future might bring.

It would seem that today is sometimes forgotten! The best starting point is to see today as God's gift to us. We are invited to use all that's been given to us to enrich our lives, physically, emotionally and spiritually. If we can give all three of these an honest go, then we are indeed living life to its fullest. We are also doing what God wants each of us to do.

Thought For Today by Fr.James McSweeney

I love the reflections of Fr. McSweeny. He always blesses my morning with some very wise thoughts. I try to dwell on all this is uplifting and encouraging and rarely watch TV or the News programs because so much bad is promoted in them. I choose to center in on the good news and that is rarely found on TV.

In order to ‘Bloom Where I am Planted’ I try to share my joy of each day and my belief in God with others each morning. Sometimes I think my efforts are in vain, but with the good Lord’s help every now and then I’m rewarded by someone that has been helped with some of the words I share each day.

In this journal I hope to help someone that, like my self, is aging and wondering what this new stage of our lives may bring. Finding my self in a completely different set of circumstances than I’ve ever known before is challenging and I can only hope to do whatever is sent my way each day and to be able to thank our dear Lord for it.

A person is not old until regrets take the place of dreams.

John Barrymore (1882 - 1942)

We smile at the jokes: "You know you're getting older when you and your teeth don't sleep together" or "You look like your driver's license picture" or "Your knees buckle, but your belt won't." However there are many who allow the years to wear them down until they are searching for something, but have no hope for the future.

Keep your sense of humor and laugh at the jokes, even if they're all too true. It may take you two or three tries to get out of that chair, but with positive faith, you can stay younger than springtime in your soul.

Some people grow up and spread cheer. Others merely grow and spread.

Lord, help me to be an encourager and to be ever grateful for this life you have given me.

Written from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as MA)

BALANCE AND TIDBITS

2007-08-18T19:41:00.000-07:00

A BALANCED LIFE

My life has been balanced with pleasures and trials,

I've had many teardrops and thousands of smiles.

I've soared to the moon and I've plunged to the sand,

My life has been balanced by God's loving hand.

I've had many friendships I've had a few foes,

In the life of a Christian that's the way that it goes.

Should I just accept only good from God's hands?

No, I must endure whatever He plans.

But I can be sure and you can be, too,

All things work for best as God deals with you.

Author Unknown

Romans 8:28

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

I gathered a bit of this and that this week. Things all with a postive message for us as we grow older....

When the time comes for us to let go of the creations of our middle lives (our families etc.) , we are like a tree in autumn dropping leaves as we release our past attachments and preparing for a new phase of growth.

The children move on, and careers shift or end. The lines on our faces, the stretch marks, and the gray hairs are beautiful testaments to the fullness of our experience.

In the winter of our lives, we become stripped down to our essence like a tree. We may become more radiant than ever at this stage, because our inner light shines

Sometimes it is difficult to do but I like to think about the quote; "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive" by Elbert Hubbard He actually nails it right there. It is a good idea to dwell on that adage now and then when you find yourself getting all worked up about the future or feeling regret about what could have been. Does it really matter?

As they say, "You have to see the funny side of it otherwise it gets you down". Those who enjoy long, fruitful lives often feel that they have a reason to live and a purpose that they are meant to fulfill.

This is different for every person, because each of us is unique Begin with what brings you joy and helps you to feel a part of the whole. Know that it is never too late to begin doing what you love and to cultivate listening more to your inner wisdom than to external shoulds

Learning to flow with life is essential for your well-being. No matter how healthfully you eat or how much you exercise, if you are chronically stressed your body and your mind will suffer, and your enjoyment of life will be dramatically diminished Your mind plays a critical role in not only your mental health, but in your physical well-being.

There are many ways to nourish a positive attitude, including consciously cultivating gratitude. Feed your spirit daily in simple ways such as spending time in nature, being with family and friends whom you enjoy, and meditation. Discover what feels good to you, and do it every day.

Consult not your fears but your hopes and your dreams. Think not about your frustrations, but about your unfulfilled potential.

Concern yourself not with what you tried and failed in, but with what it is still possible for you to do

Pope John Paul XXIII

Loneliness does not come from having no people about one, but from being unable to communicate the things that seem important to oneself, or from holding certain views which others find inadmissible.

C G Jung - Memories, Dreams, Reflections. - Retrospect.

The Wonder Years . . .

When we wonder how we got this old and why we didn't save for a facelift!

Keep smiling!

The luscious plum forgot to . . .

and it became a wrinkled prune!

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam ( mostly known as MA)

A FEW THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS

2007-08-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Our years, our lines, our scars are part of who we are. They should be a matter of comfort and pride and even our joy. Happiness eludes us when we feel embarrassed, guilty, or even shy about any part of who we are.

I am pushing 64 I have lived 63 years of happiness.

I have survived 63 years of challenges.

I have experienced 63 ears of personal growth I have learned so many life lessons from 63 trips around the sun. (I have much more to learn, so God, please let me live another 20!)

I am aging gracefully.

I have thrived, mostly, during 63 years. And I am proud of every one of those years.

Many of us have a deep unease about our age and our aging -- an unease that can hold back our self-esteem and our happiness.

Let nothing disturb thee;

Let nothing dismay thee;

All thing pass;

God never changes

Patience attains

All that it strives for.

He who has God

Finds he lacks nothing:

God alone suffices.

Saint Teresa of Avila

Being healthy is important, but in times when we may be facing diminishing mental, emotional, psychological capacity, it’s important to have hobbies and activities that make you happy.

It’s also important to carry as little emotional burden as possible .

O God, calm my anxious heart. Silence the voices that clamor for me to judge between people, as though I could. Give me an accepting spirit that honors Christ.

Amen.

I’m trying to deal with my issues as they come up and let go as soon as possible. Resolve my hurt, if not with the other person, then at least in my own heart and be grateful it’s not worse.

How to stay young:

1. Throw out nonessential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay “them.”

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. “An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.” And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don’t take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county; to a foreign country but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

How can we be sure that everything will turn out right from the cradle to the grave, insuring that we make it into the afterlife?

At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And Jesus called a little child unto him, and set him in the midst of them, and said, “Verily I say unto you, except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven. “Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoso shall receive one such little child in my name receives me. But whoso shall offend one of these little ones which believe in me, it were better for him that a millstone were hanged about his neck, and that he were drowned in the depth of the sea,” (Matthew 18:1-6).

Words truly wirtten from my heart to yours,

Pam (mostly known as MA)

www/utilthengraphics.com

NOT DEAD YET, GRAVITY, POSSIBILITIES AND SEASONS

2007-08-04T16:28:00.000-07:00

An older couple is lying in bed one morning, having just awakened from a good night's sleep. He takes her hand and she responds, "Don't touch me."

"Why not?" he asks. She answers back, "Because I'm dead." The husband says, "What are you talking about? We're both lying here in bed together and talking to one another."

She says, "No, I'm definitely dead." He insists, "You're not dead. What in the world makes you think you're dead?"

"Because I woke up this morning and nothing hurts."

Author Unknown

I’ve had one of those weeks when my old body just didn’t want to get up and go. Every morning I’d wonder why I wasn’t with it, where did my energy go? Finally Friday morning on my way to work, I noticed I was truly awake and feeling great. Whatever had me so down the first part of the week was gone. What a relief. The smallest task that earlier was just to much for me all of the sudden seemed very easy.

Every person on this planet is constantly under the influence of a powerful limiting force called gravity. Gravity makes difficult the lifting and movement of massive objects. It makes our feet tired and actually causes us to become shorter as we age.

Although gravity is a powerful limitation, we would not want to be without it. As fun as it might appear to fly in space and frolic free of gravity, the absence of gravitational force yields its own set of very difficult problems. With no gravity, you'd have to tie down all of your furniture, food crumbs would migrate to every corner of your house, your computer's mouse would wander off, and you'd never be able to fill your bathtub for a warm, relaxing soak.

Gravity, as limiting as it is, also makes many things possible, including the very existence and stability of the planet. So it is with every limitation we face. We can never hope to be free of limitations, nor would we want to be. Many ofthe things which appear to limit us in some ways, actually support us in other ways. Every great thing that has ever been accomplished, has been done by people with limitations.

Rather than wishing for a life free of limitations, let your limitations give you strength

Ralph Marston

I’ve noticed that I’ve been using my age as an excuse for what I don’t do. Limiting my self to things that I know I can do well and forgetting about learning new things. Challenges are put on the back shelf and not thought about again. I really don’t want to grow stale and behind the times. I used to welcome new tasks and loved learning new things. Now I find it very hard to find a new interest. It can’t be that there is nothing new that I would enjoy??. I must not be looking in the right places.

Possibilities

Life's filled with possibilities that challenge us each day To take a chance, try something new see things a different way And its thru these special moments that we learn to change and grow To explore the special gift of who we are and what we know For its not until we try that we find out what we can do So don't wait until Tomorrow to discover something New

Author Unknown

If you're not in your winter yet... let me remind you, that it will be here faster than you think. So, whatever you would like to accomplish in your life please do it quickly! For remember that scripture?... our life is but a vapor, it vanishes away... So, do what you can today, because you can never be sure whether this is your winter or not! Life is God's gift to you. The way you live your life is your gift to God. Make it a fantastic one

Words truly written from my heart to yours…

Pam ( mostly known as MA)

AS WE MATURE...

2007-07-28T06:19:00.000-07:00

Autumn to winter, winter to spring,

Spring into summer, summer into fall--

So rolls the changing year, and so we change;

Motion so swift, we know not that we move.

Dinah Mulock Craik

WORDS TO LIVE BY AS WE MATURE:

One of life's mysteries is how a two-pound box of candy can make a person gain five pounds.

Brain cells come and brain cells go, but fat cells live forever.

Life not only begins at forty, it begins to show.

Amazing! You just hang something in your closet for a while, and it shrinks two sizes.

It is bad to suppress laughter; it goes back down and spreads to your hips.

Inside some of us is a thin person struggling to get out, but she can usually be sedated with a few pieces of chocolate cake.

If at first you don't succeed, see if the loser gets anything.

Stress reducer: Put a bag on your head. Mark it "Closed for remodeling." . . . . caution - leave air holes.

I am beginning to believe that all the WORDS above are to be believed. Life never ceases to amaze me. We can choose to bogged down by it or to accept it and move on. I’m all for moving on to better and brighter days for sure.

Growing old is mandatory; growing up is optional.

Mark Twain

In my heart I’m still the same romantic girl that I was 40 years ago The dreams and hopes that I had then were fulfilled and I’m so thankful for them, but I haven’t given up, I still have the belief that life is good and that we do have a purpose each day. I always anticipate joy every morning as a new day begins.

God gave us memories, that we might have June roses in the December of our lives.

James Barrie

I am very careful when choosing the memories I think about. There were so many good ones that it’s not so hard to pick and choose which I want to remember. Of course I had some bad times, but they have been left behind where they belong. I will not drag them up from the depths and relive them over and over. Why would I want to dwell on misery…it’s done and overwith. Thank the good Lord.

"The young man knows the rules, but the old man knows the exceptions."

There are exceptions to every rule. The rules my parents lived by are not always the rules I have lived by. My house was never renowned for being a show place, it was only known to be a home. House work is never done, as we allknow, things keep needing to replaced and repaired. Old things wear out and new things take their place. Rules are made to be broken, if we have the wisdom to be aware of the time to do so.

You can't turn back the clock. But you can wind it up again.

Bonnie Prudden

That’s what I do each and every day. I wind up this old body and go again, I often need a little oiling and TLC. I try to be good to my self and do only the things that are important. I’ve discovered that my parts and pieces are wearing out and if I don’t treat them gently, they are not going to last . Many demands are placed upon me that often stretch my limits and often I thank the good Lord for the strength He alone provides…Physically, mentally and spiritually.

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam ( otherwise known as MA)

CELEBRATING TODAY

2007-07-22T06:34:00.000-07:00

Often when struggling to make some major change in life, whether elected or enforced, some remark that if they truly had faith, or really were mature, they would be able to do this so much better. ‘Better’ almost always meant quicker, if not instantly.

Yet when our Scriptures present the Almighty One creating, they make it clear that he does not do so in the blink of an eye. Creating takes time. Even the Lord had to take time or give time to put a world together

Maturing In Wisdom & Grace

As the years have gone by I’ve realized that yes, all of my prayers have been answered. They haven’t been the answers I’ve expected. They’ve surprised me over and over, but they have been answered and in God’s own time

Time is swift, it races by;

Opportunities are born and die…

Still you wait and will not try—

A bird with wings who dares not rise and fly

A.A. Milne

No, you can not sit on your fanny and expect things to happen. With the good Lord’s grace I’ve perservered and never given up. Getting up to greet each day and still be filled with the wonder of it is a blessing

TIME MANAGEMENT

Something will master and something will serve. Either you run the day or the day runs you; either you run the business or the business runs you.

Learn how to separate the majors and the minors. A lot of people don’t do well simply because they major in minor things.

Don’t mistake movement for achievement. It’s easy to get faked out by being busy. The question is: Busy doing what? Days are expensive.

When you spend a day you have one less day to spend. So make sure you spend each one wisely. Sometimes you need to stay in touch but be out of reach.

Time is our most valuable asset, yet we tend to waste it, kill it, and spend it rather than invest it. We can no more afford to spend major time on minor things than we can to spend minor time on major things.

Time is more valuable than money. You can get more money, but you cannot get more time. Never begin the day until it is finished on paper.

Learn how to say no. Don’t let your mouth overload your back.

Time is the best-kept secret of the rich.

Jim Rohn

If nothing else I’ve learned to value time…it goes way to fast and if I get an offer to celebrate with some one…no matter if it’s only to celebrate the fact that we’ve made it through another day, I’ll gladly party with them.

American President Woodrow Wilson once pointed out that "a man’s rootage is more important than his leafage." What others see are the leaves, the outside. What they can’t see are the roots, the values and principles that ground a person.

Character is grown from a good system of roots.… People of character live from the inside out. Their convictions guide their actions. Their principles govern their lives. People of character have both the strength and grace to give their best to the world.

To their enemy they give forgiveness. To an outsider, understanding. To a friend, their heart. To their children, a good example. To their mates, faithfulness. To their parents, respect. To themselves, gentleness. To all people, kindness. Strong roots produce a strong character. And a strong character is needed to give one’s best to life.

When the tree’s roots are well tended, the leaves will be full and healthy.

Steve Goodie

I’ve got some very strong roots. I’m rooted in faith and love. When nothing else can help, my faith does. When no one else can give me love, my Lord does. I never feel alone or useless as I know that God has a plan and I’m part of it.

Men are like wine - some turn to vinegar, but the best improve with age.

Pope John XXIII

First old man: 'You want to go for a walk?'

Second old man: 'Isn't it windy?'

First old man: 'No, it's Thursday.'

Second old man: 'Me, too. Let's go get a soda.'

Im ending with a little humor for you today, we must remember to laugh it is a blessing for the soul

Words truly written from my heart to yours…

graphics by:

www.creativeladiesministries.com

Remembering...and perservering

2007-07-14T06:48:00.000-07:00

Pray Until Something Happens

Age is something that is of life long interest to us all. Whether we are counting the day until we will be old enough for something or thinking about the days we may or may not have left, we are interested in age.

Mary’s 12 year old daughter asked her, "Mom, do you have a baby picture of yourself? I need it for a school project." She gave her one without thinking to ask what the project was.

A few days later Mary was in her daughter’s classroom for a parent-teacher meeting when she noticed her face pinned to a mural the students had created. The title of their project was "The oldest thing in my house.”

No matter where you are and what you face, remember your God and celebrate your faith in him through song. No matter what has you in its grip, remember that the Father's grip is stronger and that he will carry you home.

Committing to change is one thing, actually changing is entirely something else We must realize that it is up to ourselves to stay motivated. Now is not the time to quit we must ‘go the extra mile’ if we are to keep the flame alive in order to accomplish our plans.

When we think of a princess , we tend to think of little girls, but there is a princess inside each and every one of us. We need to turn back the clock sometimes and remember that little girl that still lives deep inside of us. Remember how she would look in the mirror and dream of so many wonderful things? We can still be that little princess and we still are the strong independent and joyful persons we once were but somehow lost our way.

And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?

Esther 4:14

Esther was a beautiful young maiden in a foreign land who found herself chosen to be the wife of King Xerxes, a powerful and sometimes cruel monarch. There came a time when the king planned to kill all of Esther's people and her uncle pled with her to speak with the king about this. He told her that it was possible that she had been placed where she was for "such a time as this."

When we trust God and keep our eyes open and our spirits high, we can recognize and take advantage of that opportunity.

Faith leads us beyond ourselves. It leads us directly to God.

Pope John Paul II

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam (other wise known as MA)

Tags: faith, princess,

2007-07-10T19:01:00.000-07:00

MY AFFLICTION

Thought I'd let my doctor check me

Cause I didn't feel quite right. . .

All those aches and pains annoyed me

And I couldn't sleep at night.

He could find no real disorder

But he wouldn't let it rest

What with Medicare and Blue Cross,

We would do a couple tests.

To the hospital he sent me

Though I didn't feel that bad,

He arranged for them to give me

Every test that could be had.

I was fluoroscoped and cystoscoped,

My aging frame displayed

Stripped, on an ice cold table,

While my gizzards were x-rayed.

I was checked for worms and parasites,

For fungus and the crud,

While they pierced me with long needles

Taking samples of my blood.

Doctors came to check me over,

Probed and pushed and poked around,

And to make sure I was living

They then wired me for sound.

They have finally concluded

(Their results have filled a page)

What I have will someday kill me;

My affliction is OLD AGE.

Author Unknown

Dear Ones,

I don't have medicare yet, but I thought this verse was appropriate as surely as we live we will all get old and die one day.

The 4th of July I sat down and went through all my Dad’s important papers for the meeting my sisters and I had with his lawyer the following day . I really disliked that job. Then if that wasn’t bad enough, I had to make a list of all the questions I need to ask.

We now have a house to sell along with all it’s contents, but before we can do that, we have to go through everything and make sure to remove all the personal items. Years of accumulated memories will be gone over again and again I know all this is going to be difficult to say the least. It is a task that will not be over for awhile yet.

The two important things I did learn were that you are as powerful and strong as you allow yourself to be, and that the most difficult part of any endeavor is taking the first step, making the first decision.

Robyn Davidson

Since I’m working full time, my sisters are doing a lot of the work. I spent this past Sunday afternoon there at Dad’s but had to quit so I could get home and ready for a new work week once more.

I hope to be able to take some extra days off so I can be of more help, but this is also our busiest season at work and if I do take off, I’ll really be putting a load on myself at work too.

When we long for life without difficulties, remind us that oaks grow strong in contrary winds and diamonds are made under pressure.

Peter Marshall

As I’m getting older the things I do have slowed down considerably, but we just have to make the most of what we have. Age does have benefits but sometimes they don’t out way the energy we had when we were younger..

We have the guidance of memory that often routes us around trouble. We are coming to terms with our limits, and mainly celebrate what we can do.

We like ourselves more than we expected. We are getting better at trusting our own tastes and preferences. We appreciate the free dom to indulge in our interests, new and old. And a grateful heart lets us take pleasure where we find it.

Words truly written from from my heart to yours,

Pam

I'm now the OLDER generation

2007-07-04T05:18:00.000-07:00

Every 24 hours we grow a day older. With age, time seems to us to fly faster; one day, summer begins, and the next day (it seems), school is back in session.

I’m 63 and just lost both my parents in the past year and a half and as a result I find I’m the oldest member of my immediate family. This milestone in my life is going to be one that’s entirely new to me and I’m certain to have a few twists and turns along the way.

This journal will be the story of those events as I journey through the NEXT 20 YEARS.

Don't you think that by the time you're 60 or so, it's time to kiss any vanity we may have good-bye?

One of the few perks of old age is not having to worry about what people think about you, your looks or your actions. We can enjoy life. We are often playful and like to laugh.

We are starting to move beyond the need to look cool. This leads to all kinds of fun, at unexpected moments

When we hit a bump, we are sometimes bemused at the ridiculousness of life. We've had enough disenchantment for a lifetime. We're willing to be enchanted again

Let's face it, getting old is tough enough. Pretending we're something we're not makes aging even harder. By our age, hopefully we've found the wisdom to know who we truly are.

Aging is a serious business and it's not for the faint hearted. However, It is inevitable. It is something we all do. And, if we are to do it gracefully, then we have to do more than sit around and talk about it

Sometimes it is difficult to do but I like to think about the famous quote; "Do not take life too seriously. You will never get out of it alive"- Elbert Hubbard, 1856-1915.

Maturity is the ability to do a job whether or not you are supervised, to carry money without spending it and to bear an injustice without wanting to get even.

Ann Flanders

And finally, I can’t forget to be thankful for my many blessings.

I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. —Psalm 139:14

I hope you will join me on the journey though the NEXT 20 YEARS...it's going to be a good one!

Words truly written from my heart to yours,

Pam (other wise known as MA)