CHRISTMAS DAY - 2007

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

 

aoljpictureUpload, aoljpictureUpload_3

Reflections and more....

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

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

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

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

 

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

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)