Opinions

Every time I return to my childhood home, I clean a nook or a cranny, a closet or a drawer.

Christians in the United States are generally not soft about their opinions regarding Israel, especially America’s relationship with the Jewish nation. They see a responsibility to support them as their strongest ally. It is a core belief of many, probably the majority of the Republican Party. While there are likely differences in biblical doctrine, they do not hinder Conservative Christians from whole-heartedly defending Israel.

The prevalence of the f-word, sometimes called the f-bomb, is yet another sign that the world is going to hell…or, so it might seem. I find that troubling. I love words. I think everyone who uses the f-word simply has a limited vocabulary and no interest in improving it. I want to help: there are a lot of f-words out there which don’t deserve a tainted reputation.

Recently, I spoke about a wonderful man who is a member of our church, and if you recall he just turned 95 years young. His name is Charlie and since then I’ve had the privilege to spend some time with him. I listened intently as he shared his amazing testimony about what has been going on with him for the last couple of years. He said throughout his life he had been a person of few words, a quiet person who just minded his own business and kept his thoughts to himself. He believed his low-key demeanor was interpreted by those who knew him as someone unfriendly, and as a result, was shunned and ignored. When his wife passed away not too long ago, he was left all alone and began to struggle with how he had felt like an outcast for his low-key personality.

Growing older is not an excuse to stop advancing in our faith and our prayers. Confess that you have energy and stamina, a sound mind, spiritual discernment, and a desire to live an active life. If you have worries, give them over to God and trust that His promises to protect and take care of you are true. If you feel you’ve lost your sense of purpose, God can help you get back in the race and find personal fulfillment that can restore confidence and feelings of selfworth. When we lose our fervency, we stop living. Studies have shown that continuing to learn and develop can not only enhance our lives, but possibly add to our longevity as well.

Being a native Texan is something for which I am grateful. A very unstable upbringing involved less than desirable conditions that involved a wonderful mother, father and step-father, the latter when he was sober.

Being a native Texan is something for which I am grateful. A very unstable upbringing involved less than desirable conditions that involved a wonderful mother, father and step-father, the latter when he was sober.

Bruce Springsteen, the up-tempo rocker, released a poignant song in 2012, “We Take Care of Our Own,” is a reminder that wherever the American flag is flown, in difficult economic times, we are responsible for those in need. It is a healthy reminder to everyone that the homeless, the hungry, and those suffering from disaster, should not be forgotten.

I dedicate much of my writing to providing positive and encouraging words of hope and inspiration, but I also must be truthful, we are growing older. I apologize for reminding us about that, but instead of all the negative attributes of aging, we should embrace it more like we are a fine wine that is becoming more delightful and appreciated. Those of us who are noticing a few gray hairs and aching joints, relax and count your blessings. It is God that has allowed you and I to be at this place and time and to enjoy each day with those we love. Being older allows us to use what we have learned from our past and to apply it to our lives today, and also share this hard-earned wisdom with those who love and respect us. Aging is not about a number, it comes from abandoning our excitement and zeal. The years may wrinkle the skin, but letting go of our joy and enthusiasm wrinkles the soul.