The Olympic Flame park at Rice Eccles Stadium on the University of Utah campus.
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Still more sightseeing Day 3
The Olympic Flame park at Rice Eccles Stadium on the University of Utah campus.
Wednesday, September 07, 2005
Telemarketer...
Here is one man's very imaginative way to deal with a pesky telemarketer:
The phone rang as I was setting down to my anticipated evening meal, and as I answered it I was greeted with, "Is this Wilhiam Wagenhoss?" This didn't sound anything like my name, so I asked, "Who is calling?" The telemarketer said he was with The Rubberband-Powered Freezer Company or something like that and then I asked him if he knew Wilhiam personally and why was he was calling this number? I then said off to the side, "Get really good pictures of the body and all the blood." I then turned back to the phone and advised the caller that he had entered a murder scene and must stay on the line because we had already traced this call and he would be receiving a summons to appear in the local courthouse to testify in this murder case. I then questioned the caller at great length as to his name, address, phone number at home, at work, who he worked for, how he knew the dead guy and could he prove where he had been about one hour before he made this call. The telemarketer was getting very concerned and his answers were given in a shaky voice. I proceeded to tell him we had located his position at his work place and the police were entering the building to take him into custody. At that point, I heard the phone fall and the scurrying of his running away. My wife asked me as I returned to our table, why I had tears streaming down my face and so help me, I couldn't tell her for about fifteen minutes. My meal was cold, but oh-so-very enjoyable
The phone rang as I was setting down to my anticipated evening meal, and as I answered it I was greeted with, "Is this Wilhiam Wagenhoss?" This didn't sound anything like my name, so I asked, "Who is calling?" The telemarketer said he was with The Rubberband-Powered Freezer Company or something like that and then I asked him if he knew Wilhiam personally and why was he was calling this number? I then said off to the side, "Get really good pictures of the body and all the blood." I then turned back to the phone and advised the caller that he had entered a murder scene and must stay on the line because we had already traced this call and he would be receiving a summons to appear in the local courthouse to testify in this murder case. I then questioned the caller at great length as to his name, address, phone number at home, at work, who he worked for, how he knew the dead guy and could he prove where he had been about one hour before he made this call. The telemarketer was getting very concerned and his answers were given in a shaky voice. I proceeded to tell him we had located his position at his work place and the police were entering the building to take him into custody. At that point, I heard the phone fall and the scurrying of his running away. My wife asked me as I returned to our table, why I had tears streaming down my face and so help me, I couldn't tell her for about fifteen minutes. My meal was cold, but oh-so-very enjoyable
Tuesday, September 06, 2005
Grandma's Apron...
The principle use of Grandma's apron was to protect the dress underneath, but along with that, it served as a holder for removing hot pans from the oven.It was wonderful for drying children's tears and, on occasion, was even used fro cleaning out dirty ears.
From the chicken coop the apron was used for carrying eggs, fussy chicks, and sometimes half-hatched eggs to be finished in the warming oven.
When company came those aprons were ideal hiding places for shy kids. And when the weather was cold, grandma wrapped it around her arms.
Those big old aprons wiped many a perspiring brow, bent over the hot wood stove.
Chips and kindling wood were brought into the kitchen in that apron.
From the garden, it carried all sorts fo vegetables. After the peas had been shelled it carried out the hulls.
In the fall the apron was used to bring in apples that had fallen from the trees.
When unexpected comapny drove up the road, it was surprising how much furniture that old apron could dust in a matter of seconds.
When the dinner was ready, Grandma walked out onto the porch, waved her apron and the men knew it was time to come in from the fields to dinner.
It will be a long time before someone invents something that will replace that "old-time apron" that served so many purposes.
Grandma's Apron
Twin Peaks fire...
James, a fire has started on Twin Peaks. We watched the flames last night from our living room window. They are watching it closely but are allowing it to continue to burn. I'll keep you posted!
Bingham Copper Mine...
My aunt and mother in front of one of the tires used on the trucks. The trucks are 3 stories tall!
Sightseeing Day 2
Today we spent a good deal of time at the Bingham Copper Mine. Largest copper mine in the world and it is visible from space!
Desert Flowers....
Isn't this beautiful? Desert flowers the east side of the Carrizo plain, in the Temblor Range, (about 50 miles due west of Bakersfield, CA). This is desert country. Very dry all year round except this year they had an abundance of rain. It only happens about every 100 years or so.
Friday, September 02, 2005
Spam....
I have been spammed! I've been watching the prolific messages that have cropped up on other blogs and counted myself blessed that I had missed it so far. But, now I have been sucked up like the others so I am implementing the "verification letters". Please take the time to follow up with the letters in the comment box rather than not commenting. Thanks!
Heads Up...
Just a note to let you all know that I am still alive...not buried under mounds of dirt, dust bunnies, nor have I fallen off any ladders etc amidst all the deep cleaning. I think my hubby will be estatic to see my aunt for that will signal a respite until after she leaves at the end of the week. Then, I'll begin cracking my whip again. He has been so good to help me. I couldn't have done some of the things without him.
As you can tell from the previous paragraph, my aunt is due to arrive tomorrow so my blogging may be sporadic, maybe non-existent, or quite prolific. I guess it depends on how my time falls. Even though I may not have time to write (is that a collective sigh of relief that I'm hearing?) I will be reading all my favortie blogs...at least the ones who are not away celebrating the long weekend!
Enjoy!
As you can tell from the previous paragraph, my aunt is due to arrive tomorrow so my blogging may be sporadic, maybe non-existent, or quite prolific. I guess it depends on how my time falls. Even though I may not have time to write (is that a collective sigh of relief that I'm hearing?) I will be reading all my favortie blogs...at least the ones who are not away celebrating the long weekend!
Enjoy!
Monday, August 29, 2005
M & M's...
Well, wouldn't you know it. When I don't have the time that's exactly when the mormon missionaries come by. Yep. Today. This afternoon. I was able to visit just a very short time and did tell them that these two weeks right now are just not a good time but after that we would love to visit with them. They were very nice young men. One of them was from Brazil and I shared about my very good friend Julie and her husband Charles who are missionaries in Brazil. In fact, they are living with the Wai Wai people DEEP in the Amazon jungle! They have been there 20 years but we were able to visit with them this weekend before they head back!
Well, I began this on entry on Monday and here it is Friday. Does that give you a hint on how busy my week has been?
Back to the missionaries....As we chatted out front they asked if we were familiar with the Mormon missionary program. At our other house, about 2 miles from where we live now, we decided that we had been put on a "do not visit" list. Since we have been living here, we have had a few nibbles, like right after my dad died and we asked them to return another time, but they didn't. But, on the whole, not much "action." We thought maybe our "fame" had followed us. Returning back to their question I assured them we were familiar with their missionary program. They asked if we had ever visited with the missionaries to which I replied, "Oh, yes." The Brazilian young man asked me if I remembered anything 'outstanding' from our last meeting. And I replied, "Oh my, yes! They told us they didn't have time for our questions." Now, imagine their look of shock...and a quick "let's try to save this situation." The young Brazilian assured me they would take all the time needed to be assured that our questions are answered to our satisfaction. It was at this point that I said this wasn't a good time right now, that two weeks would be much better. They left me their card with their names and phone number and realizing that I was working on 'major' projects around the home volunteered their time to come and help, free of charge. If it was too big of a project, they would round up some other volunteers who would love to come do a service project. I politely thanked them and took their card. We will see if they come back and contact us again. If there is any thread to where we lived before which has followed us here then they may not follow up with us. That will make me sad. I always look forward to being able to share God's Word and Truth. We'll see what the good Lord has in store for the future!
Well, I began this on entry on Monday and here it is Friday. Does that give you a hint on how busy my week has been?
Back to the missionaries....As we chatted out front they asked if we were familiar with the Mormon missionary program. At our other house, about 2 miles from where we live now, we decided that we had been put on a "do not visit" list. Since we have been living here, we have had a few nibbles, like right after my dad died and we asked them to return another time, but they didn't. But, on the whole, not much "action." We thought maybe our "fame" had followed us. Returning back to their question I assured them we were familiar with their missionary program. They asked if we had ever visited with the missionaries to which I replied, "Oh, yes." The Brazilian young man asked me if I remembered anything 'outstanding' from our last meeting. And I replied, "Oh my, yes! They told us they didn't have time for our questions." Now, imagine their look of shock...and a quick "let's try to save this situation." The young Brazilian assured me they would take all the time needed to be assured that our questions are answered to our satisfaction. It was at this point that I said this wasn't a good time right now, that two weeks would be much better. They left me their card with their names and phone number and realizing that I was working on 'major' projects around the home volunteered their time to come and help, free of charge. If it was too big of a project, they would round up some other volunteers who would love to come do a service project. I politely thanked them and took their card. We will see if they come back and contact us again. If there is any thread to where we lived before which has followed us here then they may not follow up with us. That will make me sad. I always look forward to being able to share God's Word and Truth. We'll see what the good Lord has in store for the future!
The Rosebud...
It is only a tiny rosebud
A flower of God's design;
But I cannot unfold the petals
With these clumsy hands of mine.
The secret of unfolding flowers
Is not known to such as I.
GOD opens this flower so sweetly,
Then, in my hands, they die.
If I cannot unfold a rosebud,
The flower of God's design,
Then how can I have the wisdom
To unfold this life of mine?
So, I'll trust in Him for leading
Each moment of my day.
I will look to Him for His guidance
Each step of the Pilgrim's way.
The pathway that lies before me
Only my Heavenly Father knows.
I'll trust him to unfold the moments,
Just as He unfolds the rose.
Psalm 62:1-8
I was going to post this first thing this morning but ran out of time as I was headed to my doctor's appointment. I'm posting it now and I pray the Lord would use it to comfort and lift up a certain friend today!
Psalm 62: 1-8
My soul finds rest in God alone;
my salvation comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will never be shaken.
How long will you assault a man?
Would all of you throw him down--
this leaning wall, this tottering fence?
They fully intend topple him
from his lofty place;
they take delight in lies.
With their mouths they bless,
but in their hearts they curse.
Find rest, O my soul, in God alone;
my hope comes from him.
He alone is my rock and my salvation;
he is my fortress, I will not be shaken.
My salvation and my honor depend on God,
he is my mighty rock, my refuge.
Trust in him at all times, O people;
pur out your hearts to him,
for God is our refuge.
Knee update...
Today was my visit to the orthopedic surgeon for a follow-up on my knee with the meniscus problem and the cyst problem. I, of course, don't want anything to interfere with our trip in December to see James get his wings! The doctor was totally fine with my taking a "wait and see" attitude. In fact, he said that before we even do the scoping and cleaning up he would try shooting it with cortizone and see if that didn't bring some relief. I promised him that I would come back right away if needed. That was great news. I told him my knee was definitely better than when he saw me last but far from perfect. However, I did emphazise that I could live with it this way, at least for a while.
In other news, James talked with Margaret, Monte's daughter yesterday. (Monte is my cousin who came down to Moody for James' Track Select.) Margaret will finish finals on December 14 so she and her Mom will be down in Corpus Christi for the Wing Ceremony. It will be so cool to have time with them again. Neat, neat people, even if they are family! :)
James called this morning to say that he and Brent passed their Check Ride and then went and did their Solo!!! The main factor from hurrican Katrina is the winds but they were still able to fly and do their 'stuff.' Oh, I am getting so excited...I can hardly wait till December!
Well, this has to be short. I'm still in the midst of DEEEEEEPPP Cleaning and I cannot afford to get 'out of the mood.' Jim is working on clear plastic covers for our window wells and I'm doing inside 'stuff.'
In other news, James talked with Margaret, Monte's daughter yesterday. (Monte is my cousin who came down to Moody for James' Track Select.) Margaret will finish finals on December 14 so she and her Mom will be down in Corpus Christi for the Wing Ceremony. It will be so cool to have time with them again. Neat, neat people, even if they are family! :)
James called this morning to say that he and Brent passed their Check Ride and then went and did their Solo!!! The main factor from hurrican Katrina is the winds but they were still able to fly and do their 'stuff.' Oh, I am getting so excited...I can hardly wait till December!
Well, this has to be short. I'm still in the midst of DEEEEEEPPP Cleaning and I cannot afford to get 'out of the mood.' Jim is working on clear plastic covers for our window wells and I'm doing inside 'stuff.'
Sunday, August 28, 2005
The Tea Cup...
There was a couple who took a trip to England to shop in a beautiful antique store to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. They both like antiques and pottery, especially tea cups. Spotting an exceptional cup, they asked, "May we see that? We've never seen a cup quite so beautiful."
As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea cup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a tea cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me, over and over. I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone,' but he only smiled and gently said, 'Not yet!"'
"Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around."
'"Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!; I screamed. But the master only nodded and said quietly, 'Not yet.'"
"He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then...he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat! I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet.'"
"When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! 'Ah, this is much better,' I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please! Stop it, stop it!!' I cried. He only shook his head and said, 'Not yet.'"
"Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering, 'What's he going to do to me next?' An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And, I did."
"I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!'"
"Quietly he spoke: 'I want you to remember,' then he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"
The moral of the story: God knows what He is doing for each one of us. He is the Potter and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds, that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will. So, when life seems hared, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this....
Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.....
As the lady handed it to them, suddenly the tea cup spoke, "You don't understand. I have not always been a tea cup. There was a time when I was just a lump of red clay. My master took me and rolled me, pounded and patted me, over and over. I yelled out, 'Don't do that. I don't like it! Let me alone,' but he only smiled and gently said, 'Not yet!"'
"Then, WHAM! I was placed on a spinning wheel and suddenly I was spun around and around and around."
'"Stop it! I'm getting so dizzy! I'm going to be sick!; I screamed. But the master only nodded and said quietly, 'Not yet.'"
"He spun me and poked and prodded and bent me out of shape to suit himself and then...he put me in the oven. I never felt such heat! I yelled and knocked and pounded at the door. 'Help! Get me out of here!' I could see him through the opening and I could read his lips as he shook his head from side to side, 'Not yet.'"
"When I thought I couldn't bear it another minute, the door opened. He carefully took me out and put me on the shelf and I began to cool. Oh, that felt so good! 'Ah, this is much better,' I thought. But, after I cooled he picked me up and he brushed and painted me all over. The fumes were horrible. I thought I would gag. 'Oh, please! Stop it, stop it!!' I cried. He only shook his head and said, 'Not yet.'"
"Then suddenly he put me back in to the oven. Only it was not like the first one. This was twice as hot and I just knew I would suffocate. I begged. I pleaded. I screamed. I cried. I was convinced I would never make it. I was ready to give up. Just then the door opened and he took me out and again placed me on the shelf where I cooled and waited and waited, wondering, 'What's he going to do to me next?' An hour later he handed me a mirror and said, 'Look at yourself.' And, I did."
"I said, 'That's not me; that couldn't be me. It's beautiful. I'm beautiful!'"
"Quietly he spoke: 'I want you to remember,' then he said, 'I know it hurt to be rolled and pounded and patted, but had I just left you alone, you'd have dried up. I know it made you dizzy to spin around on the wheel, but if I had stopped, you would have crumbled. I know it hurt and it was hot and disagreeable in the oven but if I hadn't put you there, you would have cracked. I know the fumes were bad when I brushed and painted you all over, but if I hadn't done that, you never would have hardened. You would not have had any color in your life. If I hadn't put you back in that second oven you wouldn't have survived for long because the hardness would not have held. Now you are a finished product. Now you are what I had in mind when I first began with you.'"
The moral of the story: God knows what He is doing for each one of us. He is the Potter and we are His clay. He will mold us and make us, and expose us to just enough pressures of just the right kinds, that we may be made into a flawless piece of work to fulfill His good, pleasing and perfect will. So, when life seems hared, and you are being pounded and patted and pushed almost beyond endurance; when your world seems to be spinning out of control; when you feel like you are in a fiery furnace of trials; when life seems to "stink", try this....
Brew a cup of your favorite tea in your prettiest tea cup, sit down and think on this story and then, have a little talk with the Potter.....
Thursday, August 25, 2005
A Whirlwind...
I have just finished typing an email to a friend of mine which I began typing at 2:15 this afternoon. It is now 9:00. Since yesterday I feel like I have been on a roller coaster (which for me is VERY unpleasant) ride. Not thrilling and exhilarating but rushed without time to process my thoughts.
Yesterday I had my "nerve test", the one where they use electrical stimulus to shock you. They tested the sensory nerves and the motor nerves in my legs and feet. They did 250 shocks, some small, some much larger. After the 'shock' test the doctor then uses an acupuncture type needle to poke into certain spots and then gives it a little 'juice' to stimulate the muscle etc. Not pleasant! It didn't answer the one question which I had gone in for, involving some painful problems that happen to my feet and shins when I am sleeping at night, but it did answer my doctor's question of whether I have peripheral neuropathy. I do. Why? Because I am diabetic. Now the good news, if there is good news about peripheral neuropathy, is that it is primarily demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. That means that the covering of the nerves are more affected than the actual nerve itself. This is encouraging, somewhat, because there are more possibilities which can be tried to stop the progress so more of the nerves themselves will not be affected. However, being diabetic doesn't really lend itself to stopping it....because you have to keep tight control over your diabetes and, that in turn, would help slow down the damage process. Except we (diabetics) know that sometimes you can do everything right and dreadful things still go wrong.... My next step is to go back and see my internist and see what he thinks the next step should be. I fell into bed last night feeling like a human pin cushion!
Today I got up and went to my light treatment, came home and showered quickly, then left for my chiropractor appointment. He is a neurological chiropractor which just deals with the first 5 or 6 vertabrae in your neck. The doctor who I saw yesterday for the nerve testing was pleased that I was seeing this type of chiropractor. He isn't one of the 'bone crunching' types. There is hardly any pressure, which he applies right on your cheek, very close to your ear.
We had a phone call from James, which of course, ALWAYS makes our day. He sounds so contented and happy! He flew today and will fly again tomorrow and then he is ready for his 1st check ride in this plane! Yea!!!
I wish I had something fun to write about like my niece, Claire. She wrote about their visit to VA beach but alas, my summer has not been quite so glamorous! :) That's okay, we did have sunshine and cooler weather...in the upper 80's...I don't think it made it into the 90's. So that is a welcome relief. And I got to visit with 3 friends today, one by email, one over the phone and one in person! How blessed can one be?!!! I am privileged indeed!
Thank you, Lord, for friends, for beautiful weather and for being a faithful God even through the difficult times. Give me grace to meet each day with the joy that comes only from You!
Yesterday I had my "nerve test", the one where they use electrical stimulus to shock you. They tested the sensory nerves and the motor nerves in my legs and feet. They did 250 shocks, some small, some much larger. After the 'shock' test the doctor then uses an acupuncture type needle to poke into certain spots and then gives it a little 'juice' to stimulate the muscle etc. Not pleasant! It didn't answer the one question which I had gone in for, involving some painful problems that happen to my feet and shins when I am sleeping at night, but it did answer my doctor's question of whether I have peripheral neuropathy. I do. Why? Because I am diabetic. Now the good news, if there is good news about peripheral neuropathy, is that it is primarily demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. That means that the covering of the nerves are more affected than the actual nerve itself. This is encouraging, somewhat, because there are more possibilities which can be tried to stop the progress so more of the nerves themselves will not be affected. However, being diabetic doesn't really lend itself to stopping it....because you have to keep tight control over your diabetes and, that in turn, would help slow down the damage process. Except we (diabetics) know that sometimes you can do everything right and dreadful things still go wrong.... My next step is to go back and see my internist and see what he thinks the next step should be. I fell into bed last night feeling like a human pin cushion!
Today I got up and went to my light treatment, came home and showered quickly, then left for my chiropractor appointment. He is a neurological chiropractor which just deals with the first 5 or 6 vertabrae in your neck. The doctor who I saw yesterday for the nerve testing was pleased that I was seeing this type of chiropractor. He isn't one of the 'bone crunching' types. There is hardly any pressure, which he applies right on your cheek, very close to your ear.
We had a phone call from James, which of course, ALWAYS makes our day. He sounds so contented and happy! He flew today and will fly again tomorrow and then he is ready for his 1st check ride in this plane! Yea!!!
I wish I had something fun to write about like my niece, Claire. She wrote about their visit to VA beach but alas, my summer has not been quite so glamorous! :) That's okay, we did have sunshine and cooler weather...in the upper 80's...I don't think it made it into the 90's. So that is a welcome relief. And I got to visit with 3 friends today, one by email, one over the phone and one in person! How blessed can one be?!!! I am privileged indeed!
Thank you, Lord, for friends, for beautiful weather and for being a faithful God even through the difficult times. Give me grace to meet each day with the joy that comes only from You!
Monday, August 22, 2005
Leona's Thoughts on Reaching 80...
My pastor's wife passed this on to me on Sunday to give to my Mom. When I read it I thought this is the kind of attitude I want as I grow older gracefully! Leona is of Czech descent but born and raised in America's heartland. Her husband, Ted was born in China, grew up in Hong Kong and did his seminary work at what is now Trinity Evangelical Seminary. They were co-founders of Ambassadors For Christ, Inc. If you want to find out more about Leona check out her website which has a listing of her books. Once there be sure to drop in on Leona at home by clicking on the link "Visit Leona at Home"! This may be a little long but I firmly believe it is well worth the read! Enjoy as I did!!!
Leona's Thoughts on Reaching 80
I thank God for the past, I celebrate the present, and anticipate the future
My habit of a lifetime is to take inventory of my progress regularly and listen to God's affirmation or correction. After I lived three-quarters of a century, I took time to evaluate my life in depth. As I review my life again after five more bonus years, I find that the marching orders God gave me than are still valid. I only need to fine tune them and apply them to my life at 80.
Chronologically---Realistically, statistically, I am in the final season of my life, sort of in the graduating class. Eighty is merely a number on the calendar--a "commencement," the first day of the rest of my life. God had a specific plan for me from before the foundation of the world which has been unfolding through many decades. (Ephesians 2:10) His will for all of us in our maturing years is that we "be anointed with fresh oil, bear fruit in old age, flourish like the palm tree, remain full of sap and very green." (Psalm 92) I have God's promise, "The Lord satisfies your life (your 'mouth' or 'years' in other translations) with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle's." (Psalm 103:5) Suddenly, or so it seems, I find myself the eldest in our family, the "matriarch," with all the responsibility that carries. I want to be faithful even in my imperfection.
Spiritually---I want to "put my house in order" not to retire but to rekindle the fire of my first love for God. Cultivating and nourishing my spirit, striving to know God more intimately, and worshiping Him more devotedly is my highest priority because it is my spirit that will continue alive throughout Eternity. Now that I have reached 80, I recommit to God my body, soul, spirit, mind, emotions, will, all that I am, all that I have, all that I have become, all that I may yet become as God works on transforming me and conforming me to the image of Christ. I declare Jesus as Lord over every relationship, responsibility, and desire. I give to God not my leftovers but the ripest, sweetest fruit of aging. Where there is still plain water (areas in my life that need working on) I ask Jesus to turn it into wine, "the best wine saved until the last."
The following areas are still in progress--I have NOT attained--but I press on
Seek daily the presence of God and move on to a deeper relationship with Him.
Simplify my life, decrease my "stuff," generously give things away or decisively toss out.
Prioritize my goals, time, and efforts as if I had only a little time left on earth.
Anticipate that God may still give me generous time to live and serve Him here.
Eliminate pursuits that are no longer productive to life goals God has set for me.
Surrender cares and anxieties of this world that hinder my close walk with the Lord.
Find God's will where to press harder and--when to stop and smell those roses.
Obey promptly whatever God reveals as His purpose for me, cost what it may.
I want to stay open to positive change and remain like pliable clay in my Heavenly Potter's hands. The Bible records that 85 year old Caleb always "followed the Lord fully." That is what I want to do. In his advanced years he asked God for still "another mountain" to conquer.
Physically---My imperfect but heretofore serviceable earth suit (my body) which God issued me at birth, is aging, showing signs of wear, has mortal limitations and inevitable increasing frailties. Time and gravity reshape the ol' bod' regardless of efforts to feed it right and exercise it! Thank God He has given me 15 bonus years since my lung cancer surgery. I try to look upon "aging inconveniences" as trivial and thank God for whatever measure of health He gives. I try to watch my nutrition, get my medical checkups, and take whatever meds and vitamins are necessary.
Mentally---I try to continue pushing the horizons of my mind further to learn more, be more creative, respond to new challenges and opportunities and stay on the cutting edge of life. The more I stretch, the higher I can reach. I think, I hope that I am as alert as ever--thank You, Lord! I want to run not coast to the finish line.
Emotionally---"My cup runneth over!" I'm happy, contented, feel fulfilled yet eager for more of God's abundant life as I seek to be continually filled with the Holy Spirit. I don't want to miss anything that God sovereignly planned for me. I'm smiling at God and hope He is smiling back at me as I try to please Him. I'm eager for any surprises He still has for me. I accept as good and perfect and the will of God whatever circumstances God chooses to bring into my life day by day. I want to celebrate each day as a gift from God!
Relaionally---I delight to spend time with my four adult sons and their families, ten grandchildren and two great-grands. God is so good. I am blessed to love and to be loved. I enjoy silence and time alone immensely as well as fellowship with others. God has blessed me my giving me riches in friends all over the world. I ask God to bring into my life all and only those He wants me to touch for Him or who will encourage and teach me of God's ways.
Productively---Yes, I'm still writing, and a few more books have been published. I have some serious work in progress, but I'm trying to learn to pace myself without deadlines. I want to eliminate the word "busy" from my vocabulary and substitute "fruit bearing." The fruit that pleases God may gorw best in waiting on Him, listening to His direction, and then "doing whatever He tells you."
God plans different things for us in each season of our lives. I want to live fully in His will in whatever season or stage of life I am. God has given me an abundance of opportunities and experiences in my long life and I am accountable to be a faithful steward. When God's allotted time for me on earth is over, and I have to turn in my earth suit, I may not think I am "finished." I will undoubtedly have lots of exciting things on the back burner that I would like to do and enjoy. But God, who planned my life, will count my work and life "complete" on that day. God has already given my long life. But if it pleases Him, I continue to ask for an extended time on earth to add to His glory. If He grants my desire or if He doesn't, it is good. Because I belong to the Lord it is His responsibility, not mine, to accomplish what concerns me. (Philippians 1:6) Therefore, when I leave for heaven, I want it to be a time for celebration not regret or sadness that I lived my life for less than God's glory. Jesus promised to His children eternal life after life on earth is over in His Father's House. Until then, or until Jesus comes again, I must be about my Father's business while there is time and while it is day. I want to make "the rest of the way" even more pleasing to God. Toward this I press on...
Leona Choy, June 2005
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