Springs Eternal . . .

What is it that springs eternal - youth...hope...love?

Obviously, a week of aging has left its mark on me.

Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. Years wrinkle the skin, but giving up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul. Worry, doubt, self-distrust, fear, and despair – these are the long years that bow the head and turn the growing spirit back to dust. You are as young as your faith, and as old as your doubts; as young as your self-confidence, as old as your fears; as young as your hope, as old as your despair. - Zoroaster

I know you're probably getting tired of reading about this aging thing, and I'm just about done. Getting older is a funny thing, because it happens so slowly. Days run into months and into years. Thank Heaven it doesn't happen all at once! We look at each other, and it might as well be over 40 years ago when we first met, we feel no different -- or we don't feel the same! Some of us don't feel any older, even when little voices are calling us Grandma. However, we must face the facts that life is going by too fast and we are indeed aging. With that said, I ran across a little prayer that I would like to share:

Lord, Thou knowest better than I, that I am growing older and will someday be old. Keep me from getting talkative and from the fatal habit of thinking I must say something on every subject at every occasion.

Release me from craving to try and straighten out everybody's affairs.

Keep my mind free from endless details - give me wings to get to the point.

I ask for grace enough to listen to other's tales and endure them with patience. Seal my lips on my own aches and troubles.

Teach me the glorious lesson that it is entirely possible that I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet, as a sour old woman is one of the crowning works of the Devil.

Make me thoughtful, but not moody; helpful, but not bossy, as I would love to have some friends in the end.

There is always something new to learn - a new weakness to turn into a strength.

A stranger came by the other day with an offer that set me to thinking. He wanted to buy the old barn that sits out by the highway. I told him right off he was crazy. He was a city type, you could tell by his clothes, his car, his hands, and the way he talked. He said he was driving by and saw that beautiful barn sitting out in the tall grass and wanted to know if it was for sale. I told him he had a funny idea of beauty.

Sure, it was a handsome building in its day. But then, there's been a lot of winters pass with their snow and ice and howling wind. The summer sun's beat down on that old barn 'til all the paint's gone, and the wood has turned silver gray. Now the old building leans a good deal, looking kind of tired. Yet, that fellow called it beautiful.

That set me to thinking. I walked out to the field and just stood there, gazing at that old barn. The stranger said he planned to use the lumber to line the walls of his den in a new country home he's building down the road. He said you couldn't get paint that beautiful. Only years of standing in the weather, bearing the storms and scorching sun, only that can produce beautiful barn wood.

It came to me then. We're a lot like that, you and I . Only it's on the inside that the beauty grows with us. Sure we turn silver, gray too ... and lean a bit more than we did when we were young and full of sap. But the Good Lord knows what He's doing. And as the years pass He's busy using the hard weather of our lives, the dry spells and the stormy seasons to do a job of beautifying our souls that nothing else can produce. And to think how often folks holler because they want life easy!

They took the old barn down today and hauled it away to beautify a rich man's house. And I reckon someday you and I'll be hauled off to Heaven to take on whatever chores the Good Lord has for us on the Great Sky Ranch.

And I suspect we'll be more beautiful then for the seasons we've been through here ... and just maybe even add a bit of beauty to our Father's house.
May there be peace within you today.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be..

I picked up my horoscope this morning and thought it was interesting - Your Horoscope for MARCH 28, 2008

You may need to slow down your pace a bit to rejuvenate yourself after the last couple of days, Susan. With matters especially having to do with the heart, it is essential that you take a more reserved and sensitive approach. Try to ground and center yourself. Instead of thinking about trying to conquer someone, try simply sitting back and receiving their appreciation and affection.

I didn't realize that it showed but I guess the last few days of b-day celebration is taking its toll. DiAnne had sisters, nieces, and extendeds to her home on Wed. where we enjoyed a delicious luncheon and each other's company. We had talked about going to Olive Garden, but it was fun to just be able to sit and visit, without having to feel rushed about getting up from a table so someone else could come in and sit down.

I've received so many cute b-day greetings and . . . Yes! Heather made me my little 'Beach Baby'.

I also got two bouquets that have brightened an otherwise gloomy day (it SNOWED!) I wonder if it was winter or SPRING the day I was born? Too long ago to remember. I have two soft pillows for my head, books from Barnes and Noble to lay in bed and read, theater and dinner and the best family and friends anyone could ask for! Thanks for a great b-day! Love y'all.

What I've learned . . .

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a set of screwdrivers, a
cordless drill, and a black
lace bra...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
one friend who always makes her laugh...
and one who lets her cry...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a good piece of furniture
not previously owned by
anyone else in her family...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
eight matching plates,
wineglasses with stems,
and a recipe for a meal that will make
her guests feel honored...

A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE
a feeling of control over
her destiny...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to fall in love
without losing herself...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
HOW TO QUIT A JOB,
BREAK UP WITH A LOVER,
AND CONFRONT A FRIEND
WITHOUT RUINING THE FRIENDSHIP...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
when to try harder... and
WHEN TO WALK AWAY...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that she can't change the
length of her calves, the
width of her hips, or the
nature of her parents...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
that her childhood may
not have been perfect...but
its over...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she would and
wouldn't do for love or more...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
how to live alone... even if
she doesn't like it...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
whom she can trust,
whom she can't,
and why she shouldn't take it personally...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
where to go...
be it to her best friend's kitchen table...
or a charming inn in the woods...
when her soul needs soothing...

EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW...
what she can and can't accomplish in a day...a month...and a year

HOW TO STAY YOUNG

1. Throw out non-essential numbers. This includes age, weight and height. Let the doctors worry about them. That is why you pay "them"!

2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down.

3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever. Never let the brain idle. "An idle mind is the devil's workshop." And the devil's name is Alzheimer's.

4. Enjoy the simple things.

5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.

6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on. The only person, who is with us our entire life, is ourselves. Be ALIVE while you are alive.

7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it's family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever. Your home is your refuge.

8. Cherish your health: If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it. If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.

9. Don't take guilt trips. Take a trip to the mall, to the next county, even to a foreign country; but NOT to where the guilt is.

10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.

Benefits of Growing Older

1. Kidnappers/Rapists are no longer interested in you and in a hostage situation, you'll be the first one released!
2. It's difficult to get sexual harrassment charges to stick.
3. There's nothing left to learn the hard way.
4. You can live without sex - but not without your glasses!
5. Your joints are more accurate than the Nat'l Weather Service.
6. People calling at 9PM ask, "Did I wake you?"
7. Your secrets are safe with your friends, cuz they can't remember them either.
8. Your supply of brain cells is finally down to a manageable size!
9. Topics of conversation with your friends is your latest illness/operation, health insurance/pension plans, and what adult child has moved back home with you.
10. You no longer try to hold your stomach in, no matter who walks in the room!

You BECOME 21, TURN 30, PUSH 40, REACH 50 and make it to 60!

OK! I'll admit it...I'm getting scarily close to a BIG birthday next year and I find it hard to believe that the "Baby" has more grey hair than any of the older siblings. Granted, the brothers don't have much hair, so I guess it could be worse!

The proposition of aging is double-sworded! On the one hand, gravity is starting to take its toll on your body; collagen is leaving some parts of your body and depositing itself elsewhere; you're losing the color in your hair/or your hair (as the case may be); there's crows feet/dark circles/bags under your eyes, folds and wrinkles in unusual places; the diminishing sight, hearing, sex appeal, and strength that you once prided yourself on; and the weight gain - OMG! Why does metabolism play such a strange role in aging? But the alternative to the aging process is a whole other can of worms!

Below are 10 Ways to Lower Your RealAge

Take Your Vitamins-I DON'T
Regularly taking vitamin C (1200 mg/day), vitamin E (400 IU/day), calcium (1000-1200 mg/day), vitamin D (400-600 IU/day), folate (400 mcg/day), and vitamin B6 (6 mg/day) can make your RealAge 6 years younger.

Quit Smoking and Avoid Passive Smoke-ALWAYS
Smoking makes your RealAge 8 years older.

Know Your Blood Pressure-OH, OH!
A person with low blood pressure (115/75 mm Hg) is as much as 25 years younger than a person with high blood pressure (greater than 160/90 mm Hg).

Reduce Stress-I DON'T
In highly stressful times, your RealAge can be as much as 32 years older (no wonder I'm greyer!) than your calendar age. By building strong social networks and adopting stress-reduction strategies, you can erase 30 of those 32 years of aging caused by stress.

Floss Your Teeth-I DO
Flossing and brushing daily can make your RealAge 6.4 years younger.

Be Active-I DO
Even a small amount of exercise? Two 20-minute walks per day can make your RealAge nearly 5 years younger.

Wear Your Seatbelt-I DO
Regularly wearing a seat belt and driving within 5 miles per hour of the speed limit can make your RealAge as much as 3.4 years younger.

Fill Up on Fiber-I DON'T
Getting 25 grams of fiber per day in your diet can make your RealAge 2.5 years younger than if you only included 12 grams of fiber per day in your diet.

Monitor Your Health-I DON'T
People who are proactive about seeking high-quality medical care (Is there such a thing?) and managing chronic conditions can have a RealAge as much as 12 years younger than their peers who do not.

Become a Lifelong Learner-TRYING
People who remain intellectually involved throughout their lives have a RealAge as much as 2.5 years younger.

So maybe I'm not at the BIG ONE yet. And I try to keep a good outlook on that, even at the risk of forgetting completely what year I really am at! But then, there's always the 'do-gooders' who find delight in reminding me of it. I've come to the conlusion that the statement: 'Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away, is indeed the best way to measure our time here.

EASTER (circa 1979)

Life was simple --- DID I SAY THAT?

HAPPY KEESTER!

Good Friday (Christian)
The Friday before Easter, commemorates the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Among some sects of Christianity and in many countries today is a day of fasting.

Easter is the most religious day of the year, to most Christians. It's the day Jesus arose from the dead. Easter has been celebrated, since at least, the fourth century and an annual celebration of the resurrection. Easter also has a non-religous side. During the second century, Easter was originally a pagan festival where the ancient Saxons celebrated this holiday for their Goddess of Offspring and Springtime, Eastre. When the Christians noticed many tribes were worshipping Eastre, they attempted to change their faith to Christianity. Over time, Eastre was converted to a Christian celebration and named Easter.

It's a festive holiday with spring colors, easter eggs, flowers, and bunnies.
Traditions associated with the festival survive in the Easter rabbit, a symbol of fertility, and in colored easter eggs, originally painted with bright colors to represent the sunlight of spring.

Easter has not fallen on March 22nd since 1818 and won't until 2285! Easter is celebrated on the first sunday following the first full moon after the Spring Equinox (March 21st). Easter can be from March 22nd to April 25th.

To all friends and family, a wish for a glorious Easter weekend.

Top 'O the Mornin'

For those of us who wonder what the hoopla is about St. Patrick's Day, it honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. We celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 17th. Americans march in parades, dance the Irish jig, drink green beer, and gather to sing Irish songs. People wear green in memory of Ireland, the Emerald Isle, and wear shamrocks which is a clover with three leaves. When preaching the Word of God, Saint Patrick used the three leafs of a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity: Three parts, yet one entity - The Father, The Son, The Holy Spirit.

St. Patrick was born in Wales, studied religion to become a priest and then went to Ireland to teach the people about God. There are many wonderful stories about St. Patrick, some true and some not true. The most famous legend is that he drove the snakes out of Ireland. This did not happen, but the Irish will tell you that you cannot find a snake throughout the whole country of Ireland.

March 17th was not the day St. Patrick was born but the day he died. Even though we don't know the date of his birth, most scholars believe the year was 385 AD and the year of his death was 461 AD.


An Irish Blessing

May those who love us, love us;
And for those who don't love us,
May God turn their hearts;
And if He can't turn their hearts,
May He turn their ankles,
So we will know them by their limping!

SUNDAY SERMON

W W J D - C'mon, Where's Your Sense of Humor?

Most people assume WWJD stands for “what would Jesus do?’ But the initials really stand for “what would Jesus drive?’!

One theory is that Jesus would tool around in an old Plymouth, because the Bible says ‘God drove Adam and Eve out of the Garden of Eden in a Fury.’

In Psalm 83, the Almighty clearly owns a Pontiac and a Geo. This passage urges the Lord to ‘pursue your enemies with your Tempest and terrify them with your Storm’.

Perhaps God favors Dodge pickup trucks, because Moses' followers are warned not to go up a mountain ‘until the Ram’s horn sounds a long blast’.

Meanwhile, Moses rode an old British motorcycle, as evidenced by a Bible passage declaring that ‘the roar of Moses’ Triumph is heard in the hills’.

Joshua drove a Triumph sports car with a hole in its muffler – ‘Joshua’s Triumph was heard throughout the land’.

Some scholars insist that Jesus drove a Honda, but didn’t like to talk about it. As proof, they site a verse in St. John’s gospel where Christ tells the crowd, ‘For I did not speak of my own Accord . . .’

Thus following their Master’s lead, the Apostles carpooled in a Honda . . .’The Apostles were in one Accord’.

Now you know why I hesitate in stepping thru the doors of the local parish!

Timeline

2000 - Sold home in Centerville and moved into a one-bedroom apartment in Bountiful
2001 - Bought new home in So. Weber
2003 - Sold home in So. Weber and moved into a two-bedroom duplex in Centerville; Woody moved to Portland
2004 - Moved to Boise and lived in a two-bedroom apartment
2006 - Moved into new home in Syracuse

8 years later, I'm still going through boxes that have either been in storage -- or moved in all this time! Why do we hang on to all our 'STUFF'? Is it because it has sentimental value to us?

Is it an article in a book or magazine that we found interesting and thought we would use later on? Is it that we thought we would use a bolt of polyester for something down the road? Is it puzzles that we've put together a half dozen times; games that were played and we didn't like; stitcherys that I did during a short institutionalization (J/K); home furnishings that are no longer in style; electronics, ie. wires, old cell phones and all their paraphenalia; electrical connections & cords; box of videos with no VHS player; extra buttons, paper clips, tape, screws, rubber bands, or enough office supplies to start my own STAPLES?! And all that CHRISTMAS STUFF! I'm having a tough time finding things I am looking for; while sorting through all this 'STUFF' (that we really don't need or won't use!) HELP!

I pride myself on being organized-having a spot for everything and knowing where it is; but lately, it just gets tossed aside. I keep promising myself that I will go through it all, throw out or donate whatever I don't want and once again have order to my life. I've spent most of today (cuz it's ugly outside)hangin' out in the basement with the spiders, sorting junk into different stacks. There's 'Matter Unorganized', 'The Same', 'More', 'Holy Crap', and 'Misc. Crap'.

How important is all this 'STUFF' in the scheme of things? It doesn't pay to start looking through it! If you haven't needed it or wondered where it was, just do yourself a favor and pack the box out to the truck for DI! No one will ever know, and you probably won't miss it. . .

It's in the Genes . . . .

Was awake at 4:30am this morning; resisted getting up, but tossed and turned because of cramps in my feet and legs; sore shoulder from sleeping on one arm all night, achey-breaky heart, wanted a drink, needed to potty, couldn't breathe because of a stuffy nose, too hot-too cold, alarm in another part of the house beep, beep, beeping! STOP the MADNESS! When I finally conceded to all the above, and jumped on the computer (well, not literally), I found that Aunt Joye had sent me a message of hope for the day at around 1:45am. What the heck is an 80+ year old doing up that late? It has to be in the GENES! Both my sisters have complained about the fact that they just can't sleep past a certain hour, and how early they're up fixing coffee, reading their scriptures, etc. Not me. . .this is the bewitching hour when I get my best ideas for something to write. Not saying that the blog is it; but somewhere in our quietest times is when we hear the loudest those thoughts and desires that we would like to initiate into our life. I'm looking out the window as the day begins and it's been raining through the night--downright gloomy, as a matter of fact. But I believe that Spring is slowly trying to creep in (reminder to SPRING FORWARD tonight); can't wait for the budding on the trees. It was just a year ago that I started writing this blog, and it's been such a great experience to be able to 'vent', and read about others exhuberations, frustrations, and daily happenings. It's such an awesome way to keep up with family and friends. I just want to thank the small following that I have and tell Heather how envious I am of all the comments she receives. When it comes right down to it, I guess I'm in it for the GLORY! J/K

Happy MARCH Birthdays to Extended Family!

The 'Woodman', heretofore referred to as 'the talker', celebrates a big, BIG one on the 6th this year, but I refuse to heckle too loudly, as I am fast on his heels!

Grant is Heidi's hubby and celebrates his 30th Birthday on the 8th. He is such a great guy, a good provider, and an attentive Daddy to Laila. Every Sunday they have a Daddy Daughter date to get doughnuts and Latte (for Mom), and then spend quality time together. He is very conscientious about his responsibilities, but also fun-loving. He enjoys camping, snowboarding, riding his motorcycle, home projects, RC (anything!) and relaxing.

It is Ryan's 20th birthday on March 4th. He is the son of Jeff and grandson to DiAnne & Glen. Elder Ryan is serving in the Ohio, Columbus Mission and has just been out for 12 months. Before leaving for his mission, he participated in most sports, was on the golf team at Northridge High, and worked at Valley View Golf Course and Murdock Chevrolet. He is enjoying his time out and is a fine missionary! The closing line to all his letters is: THE CHURCH IS TRUE, THE BOOK IS BLUE, AND I LOVE YOU!

Keith is my second brother and his birthday is March 9th. He was more serious in nature, and spoke in a deep monotone voice. He didn't seem very happy; but when he did smile, his pale blue eyes twinkled! When he came to visit at our house, he was usually alone. His wife is Norine, and their children are Marlin, Karen, & Alane. Keith enjoyed flying radio control and U-control planes over at the school grounds. As soon as we’d hear the shrill of those engines, we’d fly out the front door over there to watch them. He built his own boat, and bowled a mean game of 300! He passed away on January 18, 1998.

Happy Birthday also to Jared (Clydene's 2nd oldest son), and Vicky's three wonderful and talented kids -- Danielle on the 8th, Quinn on the 12th, and Cara on the 22nd. If I'm forgetting anyone, please forgive - I only post what I know. So if you want your 5 minutes of fame, you'll have to give me some smack!