ROUTE 65

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’)

 

 

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FOLLOWING MY DREAMS

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)

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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

 

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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)

 

 

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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)