“It is not often that anyone can have so much knowledge of another as is necessary to make instruction useful.” Samuel Johnson
As I get older, I get questions on how life works. I’ve given up trying to give people specific advice since I know today’s world bears little resemblance to my world at their age. It’s so much easier (and less responsibility) to just share my experience, my consequences when I made bad choices, my lessons learned. Anything beyond that is insulting at best, and borderline meddling at worst. Recently I was asked how I got promoted at work. I had no idea about the policies and culture at her job, so anything based on my career path would likely sound like a party-line by comparison. So I merely said, “I did the very best job in my current position.”
What are your thoughts? Libby
0 Comments
“One of the things that frustrates me about modeling is that you’re judged solely on how you look. When you get older, you’re judged more on the person you are, and that’s a great reward…I view aging as a blessing.” Kathy IrelandMy husband and I were laughing at ourselves. We’d get out of bed and for the first few minutes we’d walk slowly until we adjusted our stiff and sore joints. For me it was my lower back and a recent injury to my left hip and knee that’s taking a while to mend. Saturday I was relaying this conversation to a friend and we laughed at the fact that younger people are so concerned with gray hair and wrinkles. In our diatribe we discussed the freedom from hair color and face-lifts was a gift of those who have aged to the point where health has supplanted appearance as a more important measure of aging. We had to laugh at ourselves, too, because we each genuinely had to admit we’d wasted some of our youth and part of our health to learn this lesson.
Finally, we agreed with the all-too-familiar maxim: “Growing old is not for sissies.” Are you more concerned about your outside appearance? Have you invested in visual improvements while procrastinating on priorities that help retain physical and mental vigor? What will you do today to promote quality of life versus merely appearance of youth? Lord, thank You for allowing me to laugh at myself, but more importantly to recognize the importance of health—while I still have my health—on retaining a vital, fun, and useful life as I age. Amen “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16 “The glory of the young is their strength, but the splendor of the old is their gray hair.” Proverbs 20:29 What are your thoughts? Libby
Note: Marguerite, Comtesse of Blessington (1789-1849), an Irish novelist, journalist and literary hostess, known for writing a book about her conversations with Lord Byron; in addition to writing other novels and articles her home was distinguished as a meeting place for notable literary, education, art, science and fashion personalities of the day; it was at her home that Hans Christian Andersen first met Charles Dickens.
“I don’t need therapy; I just need to go camping.” UnknownI planned a camping trip for my husband’s birthday so he could go fishing, one of his favorite things to do for R&R. This first morning camping in our new trailer, Wayne was out fishing before six am. I slept until seven. I dressed to walk the dog and returned with visions of doing a quiet time with my coffee in the great outdoors.
I started a fire. I used to love to watch logs burn. It took the chill off the early morning hours in the hills. Then I took Abbey on a long walk, her favorite thing to do, especially with all the new smells. Fortunately I had two doggie bags in my pocket. One I used to pick up bottle tops and other small litter, the sight of which disappoints me. But now—not in a rush to be somewhere—I could do something about it.
Wayne is now reading (or napping) in his new hammock and I’m comfortably settled with my laptop...both of us doing something enjoyable on our ‘therapy’ camping trip.
“A joyful heart makes a cheerful face…A cheerful heart is good medicine...” Proverbs 15:13, 17:22 What are your thoughts? Libby “Do not consider painful what is good for you.” EuripidesThe cereal commercial of forty years ago is still recognizable to many. The two older boys didn’t want to try the ‘healthy’ breakfast cereal until they watched their younger brother enjoy it. I don’t remember the brand of cereal, but I’ll never forget the commercial or the words, “Mikey likes it!”
When I got in a fight with my sister I used to have to kiss and make up. I hated it. But when I did something wrong as an adult, no one needed to tell me it was wrong. I knew what I needed to do. I just hated to apologize. Fortunately I also discovered—eventually—it felt far better to suffer the embarrassment of an apology than to carry the burden of needing to apologize around.
“Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” II Timothy 2:15 What are your thoughts? Libby
“The old dreams were good dreams. They didn’t work out, but I’m glad I had them.” Clint Eastwood’s character—Robert Kincade—in The Bridges of Madison County.Pay off my home and retire early, that was my dream for many years. Then I got married and we bought a home together just six years before I had hoped to retire. That dream was shot.
It was a while before I was able to let go of the old dreams I had lost to be able to see with new eyes and embrace the even older dream of marrying a wonderful man who already had children. Since I had passed my childbearing years, that dream had fallen off my radar. But when I married I became not only a stepmom to two amazing grown kids, but I became grandma to seven beautiful grand-kids.
Lord, please give me Your perspective so I may see the details of my life’s dreams, events, and outcomes, and be able to recognize the wisdom of Your timing. Amen “Do not lean on your own understanding; I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content; God causes all things to work together for good for those who love God, for those who are called according to His purpose.” Philippians 4:11b; Proverbs 3:5b; Romans 8:28 What are your thoughts? Libby
“Wrapped within arms of heaven, in a peace that lasts forever…all fear removed, I breathe You in, I lean into Your love…” Sinking Deep by Hillsong Young & FreeBefore my 5AM alarm went off I got up to make coffee and sat breathing in the cool air of morning. The only sounds were birds calling for sunrise and the ticking of a clock by the open window. It couldn’t have been more peaceful. Focused on gratitude for this rare stop-the-world-and-let-me-off moment, my puppy jumped into me lap and I heard my husband pouring out a cup of coffee. The day had begun. This didn’t spoil the moment, it made me more grateful for it. Later that morning the worship team was rehearsing the song, Sinking Deep, when the words got my attention. They helped me realize how available God is for precious moments like this. The song’s second verse goes on to say: “When I’m lost you pursue me, lift my head to see your glory… here in you I find shelter, captivated by the splendor, of your face my secret place.”
Songs like this remind me of the truth of God’s faithfulness. But, more importantly, moments like yesterday’s early presence of God is imprinted on my heart and mind to recall later when I need it. Because, not a day goes by that doesn’t deal out a surprise, something unexpected, often it throws off my schedule, and occasionally it's accompanied by stress or grief. But I don’t find God in peace and quiet; I find peace and quiet in God’s presence. Have you recently connected with peace and quiet? Are you looking for a mountain-top experience to renew your relationship with God? What can you do today to go to that place where God’s peace and quiet are found? Lord, your timing is perfect. Thank you for that quiet moment followed just hours later by the song that focused me on your faithful presence. Amen “Where can I flee from your presence?...If I rise on the wings of the dawn…even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me.” Psalm 139:7, 9, 10 What are your thoughts? Libby
“When I stopped seeing God solely as Soother, Easer of burdens, Eraser of discomfort, I started to trust Him more…God walks with us: not running ahead, clearing away the thorny branches…He walks with us, present, sometimes in silence, always in love.” Nichole Nordeman“We prayed the rain would stop, but we don’t have the same ‘in’ with God that you do,” said a fellow camper, pre-Christian member of the group’s annual camping weekend.
Friday evening it rained a while, but Saturday was a severe thunder storm that began early and went on for hours. The concert, bonfire, and s’mores were all cancelled as people huddled under the dozen or more easy-ups and tried to stay dry while watching their tents sag under the weight of the water pouring down. I gave him a limp smile and kept walking, but I couldn’t help think about how I would have answered if we were sitting around a bonfire with time to discuss the question. Why would God let our annual camp out in June—which is usually hot and dry—be practically rained out. Then I came across Nichole Nordeman’s quote this morning. It reminded me of the simple saying I learned when younger: ‘God does not promise us a rose garden, nor does He remove all the thorns when we do get roses, but God does promise He’ll be there through the hard times.’
Are there times when you can only see the bumps in the road? Do you find you question ‘Why?’ God is doing these things in your life? What can you do today to shift your expectations from ‘Why?’ to, ‘What can I do to make it easier for others?’ Lord, in spite of the rain, people still enjoyed the time we spent visiting since we last saw each other. Thank you that You still reign, that You are still in control. Thank you for keeping our friendships strong and growing. Amen “Blessed be the God and Father…of comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.” II Corinthians 1:3-4 What are your thoughts? Libby
“It is rather for us to be dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion—that we highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.” Abraham Lincoln, Gettysburg AddressWhen the bully is picking on one of the smaller kids, it’s up to the bigger kids to protect them. If it’s possible to condense a sermon into one sentence, this would be it. The Sunday before Dessert Shield turned into Dessert Storm in January 1991, my pastor gave this sermon. A Scottish-born, naturalized citizen of the United States, he was trying to help us US-born citizens come to terms with why we were going to war half-way around the world. Our pastor shared that many other countries felt the same sadness, injustice, and longing to help, while watching Iraq invaded Kuwait. But, the smaller country of Scotland could do little without the coalition headed by the US, ‘the biggest kid on the block.’ So our volunteer military go around the world to defend freedom that will keep the smaller countries from falling, one by one. This will, we always hope, keep the Bully from eventually coming to our shores to challenge the freedoms we enjoy. Everyone who enlists in the military has to face the fact that their choice may include a call to the front line. This is no different from firefighters and police who know the dangers of their chosen profession. They all know that the costs, but when weighed in the balance, they choose to server and protect.
The past two weeks my husband has been riding through all kinds of weather from Auburn, CA, to Washington D.C. with the National Veteran’s Awareness Organization. They honor veteran at thirteen veteran’s homes and hospitals; they honor the fallen, POWs, and MIAs at eleven memorial sites; and they educate the youth at four schools to better understand the role of our military and to encourage their ROTC programs. Although not all of us will join the military, police, or fire department, we all need to be “dedicated to the great task remaining before us,” to carry on the work of freedom. Picnics are great. Gathering to enjoy time with family and friends is among the freedoms we enjoy. But let’s not take it for granted that our children will absorb the history of Memorial Day through osmosis. We need to do the work of freedom by teaching them that Freedom isn’t free; to prevent all who have perished to not "have died in vain." John F. Kennedy said, "Ask not what your country can do for you. Ask what you can do for your country." Will you join me in committing to do the work of freedom? Are you doing something today with family or friends? How can you incorporate a sense of remembrance into your Memorial Day celebration? Lord, You were the first to teach that all people are created equal and the concept of ‘life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.’ May we keep alive these values, ”…with liberty and justice for all,” in our country and around the world. “For you were called to freedom…only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” Galatians 5:13 What are your thoughts? Libby
“The most profound affinities are those most readily felt.” George Santayana“Dennis asked his doctors to stop all meds except pain killer,” my husband, Wayne, told me over the phone on our daily call. Wayne left for his annual ride to Washington DC three days before but continued following his friend’s condition on Facebook and phone calls to his wife, Margie. “Dennis is at peace, he’s ready to go home; but pray for Margie, she’s struggling with his decision.”
Wayne had only been gone a few days and I was feeling sorry for myself because I was lonely. But now, just thinking about Margie and what she must be feeling, I couldn’t imagine how hard it would be to know it was only days, or maybe hours, before my husband would be gone…permanently.
Lord willing I only have to wait eight days. But it’s the same faithful God we trust, the same hope we look forward to. Is there someone you feel an affinity with? Is your mutual affinity based on the same hope? How can you leverage that affinity to further grow that relationship? Lord, I’m grateful this separation from Wayne has heightened my affinity for what Margie is going through so I can better pray for her comfort and the many life adjustments she now faces. Amen “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love.” Ephesians 4:2 “Bear one another’s burdens…” Galatians 6:2 What are your thoughts? Libby Note: Jorge Agustin Nicolas Ruiz de Santayana y Borras, known in English as George Santayana (1863-1952), a Spanish philosopher, essayist, poet and novelist known for his aphorisms such as: “Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” and “Only the dead have seen the end of war.” “The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been.” Madeleine L’engleWhen my dad was sick we spent a Saturday together. We went to lunch at an outdoor café, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air, and then we walked the mall with no particular destination or shopping list. At one point he saw me admire a dress in the window of a shop. Dad passed away in 1983, but I still have the dress. Just looking at it takes me back to the memory of that day with Dad. No matter how old or gray I get, I will always remember what it is like to be a princess in my father’s eyes.
When I get to heaven I’ll have two fathers waiting for me, and I’ll be a girl again…a princess in their eyes. Can you remember an age that you most enjoyed? Do you have pictures or keepsakes that take you back there? What can you do to store a memory of today for you to remember in the future? “Light tomorrow with today.” Elizabeth Barrett Browning Lord, thank You for imprinting moments in my mind, for triggering those memories at just the right time, and for the joy, inspiration, and comfort they bring. Amen “Let days speak, and many years teach wisdom.” Job 32:7 “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day.” II Corinthians 4:16 What are your thoughts? Libby
Note: Amy Lee Grant (1960- ), an American singer, songwriter, musician, author and media personality, known for crossing-over from contemporary Christian music onto mainstream pop music charts; she’s sold more than 30 million albums, won six Grammys and 22 Gospel Music Dove Awards; she’s most recognized for having the first Christian Platinum album, and in 2006 she received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Note: Elizabeth Barrett Browning (1806-1861), an English poet first published in her early teens, most remembered for her poem How Do I Love Thee, her work made her a rival to Tennyson as a candidate for poet laureate of Great Briton in 1850; her work influenced British and American poets including Edgar Allan Poe and Emily Dickinson, as well as Robert Browning who became her husband. She also campaigned for the abolition of slavery and child labor legislation. |
WelcomeI love the wisdom of the ages gleaned from relevant quotes. In them there is a connection to the human experience that crosses all borders. Join me as I relate my personal experiences, and link the wisdom of the quote to the Source of all wisdom: God's Word, the Bible. Enjoy, Libby Categories
All
Archives
July 2019
|