Old Age Surprises Old age can be a great blessing. How people still wish to be young? But the elderly can strive in beautiful ways. Many still wonder about this stage of life.   Wrinkles and warts may adorn the face. But smiles and gray hairs tell a different story. They may be friends about a life well-lived. How one’s glorious past does reveal itself.   Where did you work? What sort of life did you live? Were you kind and generous to others? Did you complain about your lifestyle?   Friends can tell these details from your badges. These are crevices that appear on your body. Gradually, you may not notice them as they form. But these scars may tell the story of a difficult life.   So, as you live be sure to be kind to yourself. Find friends with whom you can celebrate life’s joys. For, old age can come wrap in a blanket full of surprises. Being elderly is a time to reflect on living with paradoxes.   ...

The Unwinding of the Miracle Julie Yip-Williams’s The Unwinding of the Miracle: A Memoir of Life, Death, and Everything that Comes After was a rather sad book of an individual diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer. From the outset readers learned about the author’s birth in Vietnam with blindness from glaucoma. Her family under the influence of a grandmother nearly had her killed because of this disability. Fortunately, she escaped this fate because her family was able to escape by boat to California. While they lived in this state Julie had an operation, and regained some of her sight. These experiences were part of an early miracle. Julie was later educated at Williams College and Harvard Law School in Massachusetts. During this time, she had internships in Asian countries, and travelled widely to seven continents although disabled.  Eventually, she landed a job at a top law firm where she worked. Soon afterwards, she was diagnosed with metastatic cancer when a mass was discover...

  Smell the Roses Life is like a rose. This revelation can be startling. No one knows how it will turn out. Yet, within its seed there’s beauty.   How is success measured? Life’s blossoms can take many forms. Some may view material wealth as a goal. Others will temper this with good health.   But petals may mean having a spiritual base. They are nurtured by an enduring faith on a life’s journey. So, this flower may develop into all sorts of configurations. Only the seeker will find out what’s best in their quest.     The nectar of the rose causes bees to buzz. Life is sweet when this flower begins blooming. But many people may pursue a variety of goals. Some believe eating delicious foods are a bliss.   Yet, it’s wise to remember relaxation is good for the soul. Take care to be safe as you grow up to be much older. For, regardless of how life is viewed, it isn’t for the restless. It’s more for the contemplativ...

  Oldman River This Oldman River keeps flowing by. Its waves move towards the shore. Their ruffles are sometimes abrupt. But every now and again there’s calm.   Muddy waters often will be seen. Winding stretches seem to meet the eye. On its banks flora and fauna are a delight. And the river swells and bloats for all.   It’s a beauty watching a canoe sailing. Being tossed to and fro by unruly waves. Yet, its couple persist in keeping her steady. They may be trying to drop anchor in the deep.   Some may prefer to fish in these waters. One never knows what form a catch may take. Sometimes the rewards are greater than expected. That’s when the darting fishes are really biting.   But the Oldman River keeps on flowing by. Birds keep chirping with the lapping of its waves. Curiosity seekers may be filled with wonder. For, this river represents the essence of life itself.  

  Rock of Ages This mighty rock is inevitably our future. It’s known for its ubiquitous qualities. It stood against the raging storms. Undoubtedly, its broadside is hopeful.   Some may view this rock as a Savior. Such an individual is walking among us. Others may simply pray for His grace. His omnipresence transcends understanding.   But give this glory to an omnipotent God. Happy are those who acknowledge His power. He’s the Creator of all living and nonliving things. He holds our faith in the palm of his hands.   That’s why this amazing One is a mighty rock. One who’s deeply entrenched in our lives. His glory resonates throughout the ages. Dark days have given way to extraordinary light.   So, stand up and be counted in this world. Sing glorious hymns to this One on high. Let each new day roar with delight from your hearts. A rock abides that transcends generations and generations.    

  Patchwork Quilt Bits and pieces are special. Regardless, what hold them together. These can be part of a lovely quilt.   Care is taken to select its fabrics. Their meanings are quite profound. An assemblage clearly tells a story. It’s about a life of love well-lived.   Putting pieces together is like a puzzle. One never knows what they will become. It only takes time to glance at this work. A whole life will slowly appear.   Snapshots can be some colorful stories. They will be happy or quite revealing. Nevertheless, together they make a point. One does feel the love of such a gift.   Why is there such meaning in a quilt? What role does its diversity play? Is such a picture a work of art? This collection is beautifully merged.  

  Creating Better Lives Let’s try to make life better. Do this by how you live. But your focus has to be intentional. The goal is to accomplish these dreams.   It’s good to dream of a better world. Look for ways by which you can help. Some simple acts will do the trick. But people have to do take some steps.   Firstly, try to focus on being healthy. So, you’ve to decide to eat the right foods. It’s best to cut down on meat in your diet. It’s preferable to walk to places when you can.   Be wise how you treat your living space. Turn off lights when you’re not in a room. It’s wise to watch wholesome shows on TV. Learn the benefits of using social media.   Remember you’re always a voter in society. Make it a conscious effort with the choices you make. Know which good products you’re going to buy. These decisions go a long way of creating better lives.    

A Walk in the Woods Bill Bryson’s A Walk in the Woods was filled with some humorous moments. The author told his story about his attempt to walk the 2,200 miles Appalachian Trail. He was accompanied by an Iowan friend Stephen Katz, who wasn’t in greatest physical shape. Initially, Bryson discussed what it was like preparing for this trip by reading books, purchasing food, and all the necessary equipment. Bryson and Katz set out on foot from Georgia. As they walked the trail they encountered cold weather, but kept on going. Their going was tough. Along the way they stopped at rest stops, inns, and pitched their tents. They soon reached the Smokies, but plodded along. Occasionally, they would meet someone on the trail, and camped with them. Later they hitched rides to reach Virginia, where the first leg of their journey ended. From here Katz departed for his apartment in Iowa, and Bryson decided to return home to New Hampshire. As Bryson waited for Katz to rejoin him for the second leg o...

  Flowers to Bloom Raindrops keep falling. Any day can be quite wet. But are you prepared? A storm is passing through.   Bring out your black umbrella. Put on an old raincoat. Just avoid being soaked. Or, you may catch a cold.   Some folks see rain as a blessing. Especially, if the land has a drought. Others may view it as a nuisance. But the truth lies somewhere in between.   Give me the rain any day. There doesn’t have to be thunder. Just hold the lightning for safety reasons. A change of weather is always welcome.   Many people may be happier on sunny days.   They like it when there’s a soothing breeze. But downpours bring life to an aching earth. Pouring rain causes flowers to bloom.

  Reason for Hope Jane Goodall’s Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey isn’t only about her experiences with chimpanzees in Africa, but it also covers her life’s journey. The writer provided glances of her childhood with a love of animals. She wrote about a supportive mother and family members, who were responsible for much of her spiritual growth and development. Readers learned how she saved money by working odd jobs and as a waitress, so that she could afford to go to Africa to fulfill her childhood dreams. While on that continent she worked with Louis Leaky, and went on digs for fossils. But this paleontologist made it possible for her to go to Gombe to study chimpanzees. Goodall spent years in the wild documenting how these creatures lived. Her greatest discovery was when she witnessed these chimps making, and using tools with stems to get their food. Goodall with her persistence was able to develop a good working relationship with these animals. Each member in their grou...

  Seeds of Hope For God’s sake, save the animals. These creatures are our evolutionary cousins. What’s done to them hurt humanity. That’s why people should care.   Some animals are abused as food sources. Many are packed and confined to small cages. This enables farmers to increase their profits. But these poor creatures have no voice.   Other animals are used in laboratory experiments. They are isolated, drugged, and suffer pain. These are confined as though they are prisoners. But why does such scientific work lack compassion?   How should these thorny issues be handled? Do animals have to be fed steroids to be fattened? Why aren’t they protected as vital resources for humanity? However, our basic morals are being flaunted and abused.   Little signs of hope are appearing on the horizon. Better care is given to animals living in zoos. Ethical farming has now taken on a new meaning. More thoughtful ways are given t...

  Love in the Air What a spectacular season! Life is at its best for all to see. Decorations are hung all around. Trees outside breathe a wintry life.   It’s snowing and beautiful. Icicles hang from our house tops. Chocolate with marshmallows is a treat. But cups of coffee sit idly by.   It’s warm sitting before the fireplace. Listening to the whistling breeze. Then, there’s soothing music in the air. Our happy hearts are leaping with joy.   A bright New Year has dawned. It’s a time filled with promise and hope. So, be sure to fill a glass with wine. Sip it slowly, and savor the best.   Dreams will become true in 2023. Broken hearts will love again. Bright stars will be reborn above. And life’s possibilities will be realized.