Opinions

It seemed easy enough. I was to find a place for the husband and I to stay when we returned to our college alma mater for Homecoming.

Have you considered that worry and anxiety is an issue we can control? Many within the medical world agree that stress is not a lurking monster that forces us to be afraid, but rather our negative thoughts are a nurtured response to what we see and hear. In other words, our assumptions become empowered when our emotions embrace them. Thus, if we can learn how to re-wire or renew the way we think, we can begin to walk in victory over fear which we blame for ruining our happiness. We’ve heard about going to our “happy place” a seemingly magical location where we can take refuge from whatever is threatening our security. But what is this about? It can mean different things to different people, but for those who have a relationship with God, it’s a secret place in the deepest part of our soul where we can commune with God and embrace the safety and joy of His presence.

I’m writing this while I am waiting in the airport to board my final flight home. And let me tell you, I can’t wait to get back to the great state of Texas. I’ve spent the last two weeks traveling to three different countries in Southeast Asia on a mission trip.

Recently did a first in my threescore-and-seven. Doubt if it’ll take that long to go on another cruise. Some friends talk in detail of their record of voyages, and it is as impressive as the number of my years of not taking vacations. Tamera and I loved it, and found the food and the service as great as advertised. A balcony on the second floor never tempted a leap nor to drop a line from my cane pole. Tam seemed to enjoy a cup of joe and a book every morning out on the porch where the tranquil sunrise and double-handing a warm mug were sweet and soothing.

I have always loved Halloween, and I love it now more than ever. I love to get in costume and have fun with other people in costume. People seem freer when they are dressed in different clothes. They seem to have a little more fun. I like the challenge of making or putting together elaborate costumes but, as the years passed, I’ve done less and less of it. Costume parties seem to be less common, and I don’t spend time in bars, so the opportunity to celebrate the holiday has diminished.

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.