BLOSSOMS!

Blooming where planted regardless of circumstances, even aging, has one flourishing and producing fruit. Think blossoming spiritually!

Fruit bearing is a result of spending time with the Lord whether in bed, on a prayer walk, sitting on a front porch or in a prayer chair!

The godly will flourish......even in old age! (Psalm 92:12, 14 NLT)

WACKEY---

WacKey---the perfect descriptor for my mind....

or "lack their of."

Webster would say, "slightly odd or peculiar" but those adjectives  are not zany or outlandishly quirky enough for for me!

WacKey!  All encompassing/inclusive for me in thought and action!

The" key" to understanding the total me. (Note all the dots on the KEY)

Enough said!

*Exodus 20:17---A big THANKS to Buddy, Josh and Molly for living this out for me. Maybe y'all can share this "new to us" house as a vacation destination someday!

SUSTAINING GRACE FOR ALL OUR YEARS!

Too often my weariness and complaining spirit of aging maladies becomes an audacity or impudence of sorts to those who age well. Cast your cares on God and He'll sustain you.(Psalm 55:22)

Some folks make 95 look great! 

Bobbie Scholik does just that! Check out that smile & she had not even been out of the hospital for 24 hours! Of course, it helps to have son, Chris and daughter-in-law, Jamie, who are great caregivers. I was a drop -in visitor and I was the one who left with the biggest blessing!

I was reminded of the comfort God's word brings as I pushed the down button on the elevator.

He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. (Isaiah 40:29)

More specifically....."Even to your old age and gray hairs.....I am He who will sustain you. " (Isaiah 46:4)

O Lord, may I have "ears to hear" of your sustaining grace as I age.

SIGNAGE!

For years I've had a fascination with signage. It's such a directional noun. Someone with an aka nickname of Ms Rand McNally has collected images during many travels.

Paring down has me finding many of those images.

Images circa 1998. Location England. Through a couple of roundabouts to a road filled with crossing signs. 

Today those distances seem to reflect life. It seems to be passing by as quickly as Diane, JoLynn and I cruised down those village roads. (Proverbs 3:2-4)

Just yesterday I was headed (running excitedly) to Virginia Street Elementary School with a friend. It's a good thing because Mother didn't get her driver's license until I was in 10th grade, I think.

Even more quickly than that our children had their own children to walk to the pre-school door, high school graduation and drop off at college.

Elderly. What a term. I'm there but I still don't like the term or the condescending glances I feel when I'm out and about.

But God reminded me: 

• Regardless of our ages Lord, Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom, (Psalm 90:12) 
• doing everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father through Him,(Colossians 3: 17) 
• letting my adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious.(1 Peter 3:4)

O God, when the time comes may I eagerly search for the perfect signage.

Highway to Heaven.

SEASONS OF FIRSTS

2020 has been a "FIRST" for our world as we have suffered through a COVID 19.

In our nation it has been a "first" of social unrest like I have never known.

At my age there are not too many "firsts" in my life......tho I did have my first visit to ICU.

But....I need to focus on fun firsts. 

So......I enjoy the "firsts" of the young, & younger. (Proverbs 17:6, Psalm 127:5)

Baby sister walks "big" sister to first day of "hybrid" school in NY.

First day of "home" pre-school. Laundry dumping must be part of the curriculum.

First year of tackle football for my youngest Texan.

First year of college at AUBURN for my oldest Texan.

Daughter's first Adobe sketch creation.

ACRONYMS OF ADVICE

In times when one is overwhelmed---even trying to read a newspaper or text full of acronyms---of which one doesn't have a clue---KISS comes to mind.

K eep 

I t

S imple

S weetie

Just yesterday a friend sent a text explaining acronyms for "senior" (OLD) citizens. I needed a laugh so the timing was perfect.

Will continue this thought on more of a spiritual realm as I recall and reflect on two personal acronyms as I have focused meditating on words lately---SEEK & FOCUS!

I will share those two acronyms of advice soon. 

PUZZLED!

PUZZLED!

I've always heard, the 3 stages of life are...youth, adulthood and "my you're looking well!" When you reach the last stage you are checking the last box on all forms---65 or older!

Yesterday, I went to teach Bible Study at Town Village, a residence for "senior" living. I had hoped to "bless" their day through sharing God's word with them and to encourage them to be steadfast in their faith.

These folks continue to "walk with the Lord"---even if that walk is a bit unsteady or includes a cane, a walker or a wheelchair. One came fresh out of the shower so his wife had to save him a seat. His strength has been a bit "spent" lately but he didn't want to miss. He brings with him a sense of humor that lifts us all. Pretending to take a bite of the "apple" of our object lesson had all of us laughing. He is one who continues to "fight the fight" to finish the race and keep the faith.

There was fellowship in that room of "mature" people on the same side of the physical struggles brought on by aging. Other trials and problems as death of friends and family to loneliness and diminishing finances are shared but not despaired. 

How can that be? Puzzled? Not really. They have remembered to "number their days and apply their hearts to wisdom" (Psalms 90:12) so they show up.
They know aging can be a blessing for Christians.

This framed puzzle, put together by some of the residents of Town Village, says more to me than the beautiful teacups of the finished work. Their eyesight might be dimming and their frail hands translucent with visible purplish veins..... but together they keep the faith, 

encourage each other and complete a masterpiece. 

I go to bless others---but everytime I teach, I am the one who is truly blessed. 

PUZZLED? No....that's the way God works. 

CHOOSE SLOWING

Choose slowing. Sometimes age chooses slowing for us.

Then we have new choices. Attitudinal ones.

Will we "slow" because we have to, thus wearing a burden or agitation on our shoulder?

Will we choose to "slow" with acceptance, by His grace.

Slowing allows time for pondering.

Pondering can lead to praying with folded hands.

Praying can be encouraging for self...

...and others as one "pays it forward" with a smile on his face.

Note last letters in encouraging. Do something to encourage someone else---maybe someone a little older, and allow the Lord to take the aging process out of your self-focus to focus on others!

Pondering, as a verb, is to think carefully (Philippians 4:8) about something. Chew on. Contemplate. Consider.  Dwell on.
But.....pondering requires slowing. Slow down today so that your ponderings (noun) might be "God-focused"

FUNCTIONAL AGING (A.M.A.P.)

At our church, the LLL or Triple Ls are the ones whose class members would all check the last box on the age information-----above 65! Chronologically aging.

Functional aging is physical and out of our control. Attitudinal aging is a choice.

I'm wondering if checking that last box for some years now should have been an alliterative reminder for me---one who, too often, languishes in lethargy or lapse into anxiety.

Lethargy looms.  Lethargy lingers. Lethargy lessens.
Anxiety accelerates. Anxiety agitates. Anxiety adds angst.

Lethargy and anxiety are on opposite ends of a dysfunctional spectrum, but both are disturbances in a healthy relational life. Think sluggish vs wired!

Attitudinal lethargy and anxiety have their root in our thought life.
It's a mind battle. It's our "thoughts" which need positive intervention.
A.M.A.P. ---As Much As Possible.

I need A.M.A.P. of God's word in my thought life to be "transformed by the renewing of my mind." (Romans 12:2) I need to apply Philippians 4:8 as I capture thoughts at the entry level. and "think on these things."
True. Honest. Just. Pure. Lovely. Admirable.
Meditating on these truths will "please my Redeemer." (Psalm 19:14)

Functionally.....A relaxed (not sluggish) attitude lengthens a man’s life.  (Proverbs 14:30, TLB) and a cheerful heart is good medicine.  (Proverbs 17:22).....
......RX = daily dose ASAP of a cheerful heart. A.M.A.P.

CONSIDER ASPECTS OF AGING

There seems to be a Walgreen's at every corner. You know, the corner of "happy and healthy. "

So....why is it the queue at the Walgreen's checkout seems to have many unsmiling folks with walkers, canes and sad eyes and an assistant who holds their arm! Many of these seniors, "keenagers" as FUMC in Hoptown calls them, seem to frequent the corner of sad/lonely & unhealthy, because of the life curves aging sends their way.

They get their red noses and red eyes from some of life's struggles, not from frequenting Walgreen's. (Although I do like Walgreen's premise of "Red Nose" Day to feed the hungry!)


Ministering to widows has given me a front row seat to aging. Unhealthy seems to show no partiality---not gender, not race, not religion and sometimes not even age. But when aging is one of the components of the affliction, one can use extra measures of grace---God's grace that is!

Many must make hard choices and changes in their latter years. So the key seems to be attitudinal.
God does not forsake us as we age and some of them cling to that truth!
Even when I'm old and gray (or glow in the dark white, DAL) as Psalm 73:23-24 reminds us.

Aging does bring many changes---some physical, some mental and many emotional, BUT GOD is in control and can aid us as we accept and then adapt. I know because I've seen it up close and personal in the lives of many of "my" widow friends.

My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever. (Psalm 73:26)

Their lives have brought scriptural truth alive for me as I consider their lives.

CHOOSE: RSVP

I don't remember what all the fancy french words are for that acronym---I just understand what it means. In southern speak, it means just let us know whether or not you are coming.

This morning as I was checking an invite, my eyes were open to "see" more than that. To see what my widow ladies seem to invite me to do weekly, more so when homebound.

Reach Someone Very Personally. 

They are that someone and they want more than my baked goodies, phone call or card.
They want my time. They want me. In the flesh.

Isn't that what we all want from friends? Especially when we are lonely.

Today, may I do that as God leads. It is more than ministry, it's a privilege. (James 1:27)

CHOOSE: UNWINDING

So grateful to have found my "just laugh cup" picture this morning since yesterday that very special cup shattered.  I'm still finding stray pieces. I'm not laughing yet but I am thankful to have this image reminder of a favorite mug with an oft needed message from my dear Saturday prayer warrior, Wynellen. She knows my temperament and I can trust her to pray for my needs. This week I need to "chill" a bit. Hubby says just "unlax" so that all my self-imposed strain and tension will ebb away! Easier said that done for me.

To relax and unwind.

For sure choosing to unwind after a non-stop vacation with adult kids and 7 grands has been a must. As Jim Newman reminded me, "Keeping up with folks (16 for us) at Disney is like herding squirrels."

I think I'm better at herding than I am at unwinding and resting. 

O, that I had the wings of a dove. I would fly away and be at rest. (Psalms 55:6)

Many grandma friends seem to have the same propensity---to keep on feeling responsible for all their herd. Sweet friend, Angie, who gave me the My One Word book chose "Ease" as her one word. 

Her verse is Matthew 11:28, "Come unto me....and I will give you rest."

As we are "wired" similarly, I certainly understand her choices.

Also, we both understand the need for divine intervention.  It takes His power in order for some of us to slowdown.

For the tightly wound up, it's hard to choose unwinding but it's a must, especially as we age!

Summer of the Hummers

It's been said-----actually lots has been said---about aging and much of it isn't so wonderful.

However, speaking as one who is fast approaching the BIG 7-0, I don't miss those high-energy experiences of younger years. I just watch my "grands enjoy them.

As hubby ages, I've noticed that little things seem to mean more to him.. Sitting outside with his morning coffee is a real treat---even when it's too muggy for me, he'll turn on the fan and sit out there-----after he has made fresh "juice" for his" hummers."

Recently the antics of those hummingbirds have added to his delight. They must have called in friends on their migration route to stop here for "ever ready" sustenance. 

Early mornings they buzz above his head and he has even heard their small chirp. Nine swoop in and out for a sip or to chase off another hummingbird. There seems to be an "alpha-type" hummer. So hubby spread out the feeders and even bought a new feeder---of course he did. He's my "resident shopper!"

Also as  my "resident ornithologist" (when he's not being my "resident meterologist") he takes good care of his backyard birds, especially his hummingbirds! 

This summer, some might think he has taken it to an extreme. He will even call from work and ask me to check their feeders and to refill any empty ones.

Now he is hopeful that one will"drink" from his hand. Wild Birds Unlimited, who had sold him several feeders, recently gave him a small one to hold in his hand. Ever the optimist, this morning he went for the solo cup!!!

He waits with hope---enjoying his summer of hummers. 

Ah-h-h those little things in life that make one smile.

FIT BIT---Making a statement

This is just a "bit" of an entry concerning keeping fit---both physically and spiritually as one ages.

One way of making a statement while exercising is in your choice of gear---a bicycle helmet to cover your gray hair is a good start in the physical arena. It can protect one's other "gray matter" and double the fitness aspect when one's transportation mode to the gym is a bike.

Spiritually, a T-shirt can make a big statement as this fitness gent wore "scripture" and had several folks commenting and asking biblical related questions.

 I am....

• More than a conquerer (Romans 8:37) 
• clothed with strength and dignity (Proverbs 31:25) and... 
• God is for me (Romans 8:31) therefore... 
• I live without fear (Isaiah 41:10) 
• I am a child of God (1John 3:1) 
• He designed me (Psalm 119:73) for...
• I am fearfully and wonderfully made. (Psalm 139:14)

Whatever it takes to do one's "bit" to keep self and others "fit" both physically and spiritually is worth emulating. (Do I hear an A-men!)

Gingerbread Man Mentality

Somedays I feel like the storybook character, "The Gingerbread Man."

"Run! Run.....as fast as you can." I'm running. I'm running.......but I can't seem to get away from all that is pursuing me.

I have the frayed/fractured thinking that if I "run" fast enough----my enemies of physical maladies and anxieties can't catch me.
Do you ever keep running to try and get away from all the difficult conditions of  life or bothersome thoughts that stymie truth. Do you think that maybe, you can escape reality by running away?.
Whoa.....am I (or you) trying to escape the reality of aging? Or, is all this "bother" just an "awareness without acceptance" of all that aging or a "muddled mind" can bring.

I am as as deceived as that old gingerbread man if I think the sly foxes of the world can help me. 

My body and mind may fail, but God is my strength and my portion forever. (Psalm 7:26, ISV)

I need to "run" in the path of the Lord...(Psalm 119:32)

God's truth is needed NOT mushy gingerbread mentality. (Philippians 2:5)

Zumba "GOLD"

"Gold." We all know the true connotation of the euphemism "golden years." It is just an expression for _ _ _   _ _ _.  

GAC zumba classes are separated somewhat by abilities----but the participants in the “gold” zumba have several obvious characteristics. List below only includes today’s glaring differences.

• Wal-Mart matchi-matchi apparel out numbered UnderArmour 
• No mid-driff flesh visible
• FitBits worn by a few but not a single Apple Watch (What Medicare gal has the eyes or finger dexterity for that??) 
• Knee brace, ankle brace and wrist brace all seen, on the 2^nd row alone. 
• Uptown Funk blares, but it’s the “clean” version. 
• Toes tap to “all the right junk in all the right places….but the places are a lot closer to the floor than they once were. 
• More smiles than sweat---just making it through the door each week is a feat.

from a birthday card received a few years ago

When one is closer to the end of their life than the beginning, the truth of Psalm 73:26* resonates in a Zumba Gold room. It’s what keeps me going and smiling.

* My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

"Make do" Generation

I recycle. I make do. Is this mindset a part of aging?

Maybe it's being frugal. Maybe it's abhorring waste. Maybe it's environmental concern for my "grands" generation from this grandmother of the "mostly" cloth diaper generation.

Mother, and her generation, knew the value of "use it up, wear it out, make it do or do without" philosophy. I think I inherited just a touch of that.

Hubby says I gift wrap our garbage.

I know I'm an oddity in this throw it away, disposable society.
Replace. Buy new. Update seems to be the buzzword.

Maybe it's a subliminal message to self. I don't want someone to throw me aside or prefer an "updated" version. An "out with the old, in with the new" mentality.

Last year while "languishing in Leviticus," I did hold on to a verse that gave meaning to life in one's "winter" season.

You shall rise up before the gray-headed and honor the aged, and you shall revere your God; I am the LORD. (Leviticus 19:32)

So....maybe youngins can cut us seniors some slack---accept us with all our idiosyncrasies and learn how to make-do---making the most of all that God has provided in your lives, even the old folks, whose paths you cross.

tea-hee--tee-hee-hee--tea-hee

"He will yet fill your mouth with laughter And your lips with shouting. (Job 8:21, NASB)

Pondering aging on this "eve," I surmise (tho I have no research to prove it) that a few things help those of us advancing in years: acceptance, a caring family, good friends and LOTS of LAUGHTER! As I typed this, my elusive vitamin D, once again rolled off the table and out of sight! I feel more like crying than laughing at this ongoing frustrating nuisance, tho I am working on it.*

I have no idea the source of this picture,** it just makes me laugh---it's so-o-o me!
Aging with a friend over a cuppa with scuffs, piles of books and chocolate nearby.
Thanks to hubby who noticed 2 more of my "likes"--tulips & freshly sharpened pencils!

Tea-hee--tee-hee--tea-hee---Life with a cuppa, even in "the home," is  better with laughter.

* I found a stray peanut on the floor but I have yet to find that &#%!@?!" vitamin D. BTW those symbols are baby boomers' substitutions for "dadburn."

**My siblings---note the lamp on the table. We all have one...thanks to Uncle Clarence Davenport.

Wil-TEA : a tuneful cuppa

The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.(Isaiah 40:8, ESV)

Lately, for a variety of reasons, I have been very much aware of being in the withering, wil-TEA season of life. Scripture presents many rich "comparative" figures of speech to describe this season of brevity, especially when compared to eternity. 

• Swifter than a weaver's shuttle (Job 7:6) 
• Days on earth are like a shadow & wither away like grass. (1 Chronicles 29:13 and Psalm 102:11) 
• A vapor...for awhile...then vanishes. (James 4:14)

But, for aging believers, that knowledge is not without hope. 

These thoughts were whirring. K-Love was playing. Owen piped up---I like that song, Shug.

I like that song as well----especially the verse that reminds me of how fleeting my life is. Such a verse reminds me to make the most of my moments----especially relational moments. It reminds me that God is still with me during this season, watching out for  me, and telling me that I am His. 
Not because of anything this "wilty gal has done, but because of who He is and what He has done on my behalf. Therein lies eternal hope.

I am a flower quickly fading,  Here today and gone tomorrow. A wave tossed in the ocean. A vapor in the wind.Still you hear me calling.Lord, You catch me when I'm falling. And you've told me who I am. 

I am yours. 

Not because of who I am But because of what You've done. Not because of what I've done. But because of who You are. (Casting Crowns)

Listen to this tune, especially if you're feeling wil-TEA, and renew your hope.

Aging Adages

10/4/13 We all know the old age adages. Especially those of us with our Medicare cards.

Old age....  : 

-is NOT for sissies.

-is better than the alternative.

-comes at an inconvenient time.

-mellows some people, others it makes rotten.

-carries an inflexible mind set by people who don't care what you think.

I know I am aging because.... of doc appts. on my  "At-A-Glance" calendar

• one doc has me keeping a "dizzy data" diary, 
• another doc has me keeping a "tinkle" tally AND
• when I returned to my car AGAIN to get something I needed for my doc appt., I left my purse on top of the trunk.

I think I should have scheduled  a dementia doc---geriatrician on aging, or a neurologist.

I, and others, "could despair" (Psalm 27:13) with all the aging changes.  But God....has us "one anothering." Encouraging "one another" thru funny emails and cards about bathing suit shopping and frying bacon in the nude---just like old age, you know it's going to hurt----you just don't know where. Even scripture to lift our spirits. 

...though our outward man may perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day. ..........(2 Corinthians 4:16)

I prefer that encouraging word from scripture rather than the adages of aging.