-/\/\-----------------------------------------------------------------
\ / HEARTLIGHT(R) Magazine --
http://www.heartlight.org/
--\/------------------------------------------------------------------
February 21, 2008
/--- HAVE YOU MADE YOUR PLEDGE YET? ------------------\
Your generosity is what makes this ministry
possible! Will you join us? We need you!
\-- http://www.heartlight.org/support/monthly.html ---/
=========================== TODAY'S ARTICLE ==========================
You Know You're Getting Older When ..., by Russ Lawson
Getting older, or maturing as we sometimes call it, seems to be a
constant source of worry to some folks. Yet, no matter how much they
worry, they can't stop it from happening. We can sometimes slow down
some of the effects of aging with diet, exercise, etc., but we can't
stop it.
Of course one of the things we as a people seem to fear most is losing
the power to think clearly or remember things. I got a real chuckle out
of the following little story.
Because my mother had a habit of losing her cell phone, I bought
her a clip for it so she could attach it directly to her belt. A
few days later, I walked into my mother's home and found her
standing in the middle of the living room, halfway dressed. That
didn't strike me as odd so much as the fact that she was holding
her pants to the side of her head and speaking into them. "Don't
look at me that way," she yelled. "The phone started ringing and I
couldn't figure out how to undo this stupid clip!" (Author unknown)
If you are laughing, then you probably are relating to the story.
At least I'm trying daily to do better for God!
All of us are getting older, our world fights against it, they refuse
to acknowledge it, but very few embrace the aging process. God's word,
however, communicates a different idea concerning getting older. Moses
spoke for God when he commanded, "Show your fear of God by standing up
in the presence of elderly people and showing respect for the aged. I
am the LORD" (Leviticus 19:32 NLT). We also find this in God's book of
wisdom sayings: "Gray hair is a crown of glory; it is gained by living
a godly life" (Proverbs 16:31).
I, like many, don't consider myself old yet, even though the State of
Ohio recently sent me a membership card to the "Golden Buckeye" club. I
do not, however, fear getting older, because I know it is part of life.
I pray that I can continue to age and keep my ability to think and
function, but even if I can't, I can look back and know I have tried to
serve my God to the best of my ability. After all, isn't that all he
asks of us?
You most likely have heard the saying, "I'm not getting older! I'm
getting better!" I don't know if I am succeeding with my efforts, but
at least I'm trying daily to do better for God. I pray daily for wisdom
concerning my service to and relationship with others. How about you?
As they say, the only alternative to getting older is death! I'm ready
to go when the time comes, but am willing to put it off as long as I
can to serve God here on this earth!
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but
will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be
exalted in my body, whether by life or by death. For to me, to live
is Christ and to die is gain. If I am to go on living in the body,
this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do
not know! I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with
Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you
that I remain in the body. Convinced of this, I know that I will
remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and
joy in the faith ... (Philippians 1:19-25 TNIV).
---------
(c) 2008 Russ Lawson <rlawson@wclo.net>, Messages from the Heart
<http://www.mfth.net/aboutus.html>. All rights reserved.
RELATED LINKS:
* Changing as We Grow Older
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200608/20060812_changingolder.html
* New Wood
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200001/20000114_newwood.html
* Aging Well
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200211/20021123_aging.html
* Messages from the Heart
http://www.mfth.net/aboutus.html
This article can be found on the web at:
http://www.heartlight.org/articles/200802/20080221_older.html
=========================== FEATURED PRODUCT =========================
CURE FOR THE COMMON LIFE: LIVING IN YOUR SWEET SPOT, by Max Lucado
In Cure for the Common Life, Max Lucado offers practical tools for
exploring and identifying your own uniqueness, putting your strengths
to work, and living in your "sweet spot" for the rest of your life.
http://shopping.heartlight.org/cgi-shl/link?256
Find more great books, CDs and videos at the Heartlight store! With
each purchase you make, you're helping to support Heartlight's
ministry. Thanks SO MUCH for your help!
HEARTLIGHT DAILY EMAIL /\/\
===============================================================\ /===
http://www.heartlight.org/
\/
Visit HEARTLIGHT on the web for even more articles, plus music,
devotionals and more for your Christian walk!
ABOUT HEARTLIGHT:
Heartlight, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) religious non-profit organization.
Donations are welcome and tax-deductible! Find out how to help!
http://www.heartlight.org/support
EDITOR: Phil Ware, phil@heartlight.org
HOW DO I SUBSCRIBE?
It's FREE! To subscribe send a blank email to:
join-heartlight@maillists.heartlight.org
HOW DO I LEAVE?
To unsubscribe send a blank email to:
heartlight-unsub@maillists.heartlight.org
STILL HAVING TROUBLE?
If our automated unsubscribe system isn't working for you,
send an email to mailmaster@heartlight.org and let us know
what list you would like to leave. We'll take care of you.
======================================================================
