puricare chronicles: Aging

Showing posts with label Aging. Show all posts

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

GOD NEVER CHANGES - We all change. The beauty of youth yields to the aging of the years. Seasons change, nations rise and fall, and men rise to power and fall aside, while God remains the same. God Himself said, “I am the LORD; I change not.” He is the Father of lights with whom there is no change or variation. God will never be less than He is now, or ever be different from what He has already revealed Himself to be in the past. His essential being are always the same - He is without beginning or end. He is not only unchanging, but is just, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever present, holy, faithful and loving. God is also unchanging in His faithfulness to us, in His wisdom and in His counsel. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – In a chaotic world that is constantly changing, nothing can be more comforting than to know there is a God who never changes and to have a secure relationship with Him. Change always seems to be threatening to us — whether it is encountered by a child who graduates from elementary school where he has been the king of the hill and has to go to a school where older children intimidate the new arrivals, or the aged pensioner who has to leave the home to take up residence in a care facility. There is one, however, who never changes. God is unchanging. If you are God’s child, that thought should bring great comfort to your heart.

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God Never Changes

We all change. The beauty of youth yields to the aging of the years.

Seasons change, nations rise and fall, and men rise to power and fall aside, while God remains the same. God Himself said, “I am the LORD; I change not.”

The Bible says He is the Father of lights with whom there is no change or variation. God will never be less than He is now, or ever be different from what He has already revealed Himself to be in the past. His essential being are always the same - He is without beginning or end. He is not only unchanging, but is just, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever present, holy, faithful and loving. God is also unchanging in His faithfulness to us, in His wisdom and in His counsel.

Harold Sala

God’s Word Today

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” – James 1:17, KJV

In a chaotic world that is constantly changing, nothing can be more comforting than to know there is a God who never changes and to have a secure relationship with Him.

Change always seems to be threatening to us — whether it is encountered by a child who graduates from elementary school where he has been the king of the hill and has to go to a school where older children intimidate the new arrivals, or the aged pensioner who has to leave the home where she has lived for 80 years to take up residence in a care facility.

There is one, however, who never changes, and that thought both blesses and terrifies.

The Bible tells us that God is unchanging. If you are God’s child, that thought should bring great comfort to your heart.

No one in his right mind would deny the fact that our generation has seen more changes in a given period of time than any other generation in all history.

Ask your grandfather about his world growing up, about the medicines which were prescribed in his childhood, about the length of time it took to go somewhere or do something.

We change, too — so very quickly.

The glow of a woman’s beauty passes as does the strength of the man who wooed and won her hand.

I couldn’t help thinking of how quickly we change in appearance, following an invitation by a former classmate to speak in his church.

As I deplaned, I looked for my friend expecting to see someone much as I had remembered him.

As people left the boarding area, a lone figure stood there — balding and paunchy.

His eyes squinted as did mine as I asked myself, “could this possibly be Ed?’

It was. Neither of us recognized the other. We all change.

The beauty of youth yields to the aging of the years.

Seasons change, nations rise and fall, and men rise to power and fall aside, while God remains the same.

God Himself said, “I am the LORD; I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

The Bible says He is the Father of lights with whom there is no change or variation (James 1:17).

This means God will never be less than He is now, or ever be different from what He has already revealed Himself to be in the past.

His essential being (we call those characteristics attributes) are always the same.

This includes the fact that He is without beginning or end.

He is not only unchanging, but is just, all-knowing, all-powerful, ever present, holy, faithful and loving.

God is also unchanging in His faithfulness to us, in His wisdom and in His counsel.

In an old song, seldom heard today, written by Thomas Chisholm, there is a line which goes, “Thou changest not, thy compassions, they fail not; as thou hast been thou forever wilt be.”

As A. W. Tozer wrote, “God never changes moods or cools off in His affections or loses enthusiasm. His attitude toward sin is now the same as it was when He drove out the sinful man from the eastward garden, and His attitude toward the sinner the same as when He stretched forth His hand and cried, ‘Come unto me, all ye that labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest’” (A. W. Tozer, The Knowledge of the Holy, p. 60).

At the beginning of today’s devotional, I mentioned that the unchanging nature of God is both a bane and a blessing.

For those who reject the Father’s love, the die is cast, the script is written, but for those who love Him, it is a blessing supreme.

No wonder the songwriter, Henry Lyte, wrote, “Change and decay in all around I see; O, Thou who changest not, abide with me.”

Yes, abide with me.

Thank God, He never changes.

Resource reading: Psalm 90:1-17

Dr. Harold J. Sala

Speaker, author and Bible teacher, Dr. Harold Sala founded Guidelines in 1963.Pioneering the five-minute commentary in Christian radio, Dr. Sala’s daily “Guidelines-A Five Minute Commentary on Living” is heard the world over in a variety of languages. Sala, who holds a Ph.D. in biblical text, has authored over 55 books published in 19 languages.He speaks and teaches frequently at conferences, seminars, and churches worldwide. Residing in Mission Viejo, California, Harold and his wife, Darlene, have three adult children (daughter Bonnie is now Guidelines president) and eight well-loved grandchildren.

https://cbnasia.org/home/2018/07/god-never-changes-gods-word-today/

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Friday, January 8, 2021

AGING SUPERHEROES - They're sure hard to find, but when you do... The apostle Paul did promise that while "outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." In this way, the tough and cross-molded apostle raised hopes that we could not just get older, but we could actually become better! You may be young. If you are, you will be old one day or suffer an alternative that is not so great. You may be "middle-aged" and uncertain what to do with the last half of your life. You may be aging and worry about your value in a world culture that chases youth. Rather than chase the latest fad in age prevention or age denial, let's embrace the opportunities the Lord has placed before us at every age. But where do we go to find aging heroes of faith? The Bible does have a few — like Moses, Joshua and Caleb — yet even in Scripture, those extraordinary heroes who are old are hard to find. My heart breaks to read of so many great servants of God who blew it when they grew old. So as the wise teacher's "days of trouble come" to me, I'm hungry to find heroes who served God and grew better with age. The apostle Paul did promise that while "outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." In this way, the tough and cross-molded apostle raised hopes that we could not just get older, but we could actually become better! Over the years, I've looked for modern heroes of faith who have done just that.

Aging Superheroes?

They're sure hard to find, but when you do...

The apostle Paul did promise that while "outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." In this way, the tough and cross-molded apostle raised hopes that we could not just get older, but we could actually become better! You may be young. If you are, you will be old one day or suffer an alternative that is not so great. You may be "middle-aged" and uncertain what to do with the last half of your life. You may be aging and worry about your value in a world culture that chases youth. Rather than chase the latest fad in age prevention or age denial, let's embrace the opportunities the Lord has placed before us at every age.

by Phil Ware

The Jesus Window

The wise teacher's words are as true as they are depressingly descriptive:

“Remember your Creator in the days of your youth,

before the days of trouble come

and the years approach when you will say,

‘I find no pleasure in them’ —

before the sun and the light

and the moon and the stars grow dark,

and the clouds return after the rain;

when the keepers of the house tremble,

and the strong men stoop,

when the grinders cease because they are few,

and those looking through the windows grow dim;

when the doors to the street are closed

and the sound of grinding fades;

when people rise up at the sound of birds,

but all their songs grow faint;

when people are afraid of heights

and of dangers in the streets;

when the almond tree blossoms

and the grasshopper drags itself along

and desire no longer is stirred.

Then people go to their eternal home

and mourners go about the streets.

Remember him — before the silver cord is severed,

and the golden bowl is broken;

before the pitcher is shattered at the spring,

and the wheel broken at the well,

and the dust returns to the ground it came from,

and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” -

(Ecclesiastes 12:1—7).

As my octogenarian mother repeatedly reminds me with the wag of her finger, "Just remember! Getting old isn't for sissies!"

But where do we go to find aging heroes of faith?

The Bible does have a few — like Moses, Joshua and Caleb — yet even in Scripture, those extraordinary heroes who are old are hard to find.

My heart breaks to read of so many great servants of God who blew it when they grew old.

So as the wise teacher's "days of trouble come" to me, I'm hungry to find heroes who served God and grew better with age.

The apostle Paul did promise that while "outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day."

In this way, the tough and cross-molded apostle raised hopes that we could not just get older, but we could actually become better!

Over the years, I've looked for modern heroes of faith who have done just that.

However, biblical heroes who demonstrate this promise are harder to find.

That's one reason why I am so thankful that in the stories of Jesus' birth we have the great heroes of Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-40).

Simeon and Anna were old; really old (Luke 2:25-26, 36)

They had lived devout and faithful lives before God. They were passionate for YAHWEH and the Almighty's promises to redeem his people.

They didn't quit because of discouragement, and they never gave up on God's promises even though their hopes had not been realized for decades.

Because of their faith, they didn't become sour, dour, or cynical despite the harsh political realities and religious failings all around them.

They continued to look forward to the day when God's promises would be answered.

They dedicated themselves to living by the power of the Holy Spirit and pursuing God daily in prayer.

Then, on a most unlikely and otherwise usual day, both had their dreams fulfilled and their hopes rewarded.

They got to meet baby Jesus, God's promised Messiah.

They were privileged to proclaim the dawning of God's salvation, the promised time of consolation for Israel and redemption of Jerusalem.

For me, five shared qualities in these two aging superheroes grab my attention and challenge me to step up my passion for the LORD.

These shared qualities give me a road map for how I want to live my life as I go forward and live the will of God. Anna and Simeon:

o Sustained a vibrant faith through prayer, fasting, and the power of the Holy Spirit even though they lived in very difficult times (Luke 2:25-27, 37).

o Looked forward to the future God had promised for his people, not at the current political circumstances in which they found themselves (Luke 2:25, 38).

o Assured the parents of Jesus that the future was bright because of their child even though their lives would be touched with pain (Luke 2:29-32, 35, 38).

o Gave thanks for the promised future that God was unfolding before their eyes and in their time (Luke 2:29-32, 38).

o Shared the good news about Jesus with all who would listen to them (Luke 2:28, 38).

These shared qualities give me a road map for how I want to live my life as I go forward.

I don't know where you are in your journey through life.

You may be young. If you are, you will be old one day or suffer an alternative that is not so great.

You may be "middle-aged" and uncertain what to do with the last half of your life.

You may be aging and worry about your value in a world culture that chases youth.

However, I am convinced that these five qualities that we see in Anna and Simeon can add life to your years and value to any age.

Rather than chase the latest fad in age prevention or age denial, let's embrace the opportunities the Lord has placed before us at every age.

As we do, let's consider these five spiritual practices as life-giving and age-defying moves we can make that help us truly get better and not just get older!

Phil Ware has authored 11 years of daily devotionals, including VerseoftheDay.com, read by 500,000 people a day. He works with churches in transition with Interim Ministry Partners and for the past 21+ years, he has been editor and president of HEARTLIGHT Magazine, author of VerseoftheDay.com, God's Holy Fire (on the Holy Spirit), and aYearwithJesus.com. Phil has also authored four books, daily devotionals on each of the four gospels. (Visit the Author's Website)

Heartlight Provides Positive Resources for Daily Christian Living.

https://www.heartlight.org/articles/201701/20170131_agedsuperheroes.html

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Monday, January 4, 2021

MYTHS ABOUT AGING - It’s an unfair blanket statement to assume that every person over the age of 60 has ‘old ways’ of thinking. Not every aging person experiences memory loss. Eating right, getting enough exercise and rest all contribute to healthy aging. Elderly people have faced countless challenges and situations of change by the time they reach a certain age, so while they may be a bit slower to adapt, they are certainly capable of change. Many people of retirement age enjoy active lives. Many people take up hobbies or crafts in their senior years that actually lead to a second career and/or income. People that choose to be happy, usually continue that mindset into their golden years. It all comes down to attitude. Many elderly people retain abilities to understand, make rational decisions and participate in and simply enjoy life. As people age, they or society in general may take on some assumptions about them. There are many myths about aging or elderly people that simple aren’t true. Fellowship Square debunks the myths about aging that should never be assumed about senior citizens. Every individual – young and old – has his or her own unique thoughts and feelings about society. It’s an unfair blanket statement to assume that every person over (or under!) the age of 60 has the same beliefs. Taking some time to speak with elderly people about their thoughts about the world – and their own past experiences – can shed some light on this truth.

10 Myths about Aging

People that choose to be happy, usually continue that mindset into their golden years - it all comes down to attitude

It’s an unfair blanket statement to assume that every person over the age of 60 has ‘old ways’ of thinking. Not every aging person experiences memory loss. Eating right, getting enough exercise and rest all contribute to healthy aging. Elderly people have faced countless challenges and situations of change by the time they reach a certain age, so while they may be a bit slower to adapt, they are certainly capable of change. Many people of retirement age enjoy active lives. Many people take up hobbies or crafts in their senior years that actually lead to a second career and/or income. Many elderly people retain abilities to understand, make rational decisions and participate in and simply enjoy life.

Fellowship Square

As people age, they or society in general may take on some assumptions about them.

There are many myths about aging or elderly people that simple aren’t true.

Fellowship Square debunks the myths about aging that should never be assumed about senior citizens.

Myth: “Old people have ‘old ways’ of thinking.”

Truth: Every individual – young and old – has his or her own unique thoughts and feelings about society. It’s an unfair blanket statement to assume that every person over (or under!) the age of 60 has the same beliefs. Taking some time to speak with elderly people about their thoughts about the world – and their own past experiences – can shed some light on this truth.

Myth: “People lose their memory as they age.”

Truth: Not every aging person experiences memory loss diseases such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. According to Psychology Today, only 6 to 8 percent of people over the age of 65 have been diagnosed with dementia.

Myth: Genetic health conditions can’t be avoided as people age.

Truth: While it’s true that genetics play a certain role in each person’s body and health, health and wellness is largely in the hands of each individual. Eating right, getting enough exercise and rest all contribute to healthy aging.

Myth: Elderly people are less adaptable to change.

Truth: This is a personal preference – some people enjoy the newness and thrill of change, while others may be more apprehensive about change. However, this is not an age-related issue. Elderly people have faced countless challenges and situations of change by the time they reach a certain age, so while they may be a bit slower to adapt, they are certainly capable of change.

Myth: Elderly people are less adventurous.

Truth: There are many elderly people who have waited their entire lives for the opportunity to be in retirement so they can travel the world and see new things.

Myth: People become less productive as they age.

Truth: Retirement doesn’t mean elderly people just want to sit around all day! While at a certain age and depending on health concerns, some elderly people may need to rest more throughout the day, many people of retirement age enjoy active lives, help with care for their grandchildren and volunteer. A report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that 24% of senior citizens volunteer throughout their retirement years.

Myth: People are less creative as they age.

Truth: Many people take up hobbies or crafts in their senior years that actually lead to a second career and/or income. Whether its woodworking, art or knitting, creative activities keep seniors’ brains and dexterity sharp.

Myth: “Old people are crabby or depressed.”

Truth: Depression is a real, diagnosable disease, not a feeling that can be used as a blanket statement. There is no evidence that shows that older people are crankier – people that are generally “crabby” in their younger years may continue that way. People that choose to be happy, usually continue that mindset into their golden years. It all comes down to attitude.

Myth: Elderly people are lonely.

Truth: The loving, caring environments of retirement communities and assisted living facilities such as Fellowship Square intend to make their residents feel at home and offer a vast social calendar of activities to keep seniors interactive with their neighbors. Many elderly people have kept an active social life and now that they have more time in retirement, actually have a very busy calendar.

Myth: “Old people are incompetent.”

Truth: Elderly people that continue to challenge their brains, exercise their bodies and feed their soul with religion and spiritual beliefs are perfectly competent into their senior years. Even as they age and experience some memory loss or dementia, many elderly people retain abilities to understand, make rational decisions and participate in and simply enjoy life!

Sharing Blessings, Serving Others, Celebrating Age

Since 1979, Christian Care has been dedicated to providing the highest quality of affordable senior housing, programs and services. Over the years, Christian Care has grown from a 64-bed skilled nursing center in Phoenix to six caring communities statewide, offering independent and assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing, home health and support services.

To this day, our mission is at the heart of everything we do.

Christian Care Foundation is devoted to developing community partners, volunteers and loyal donors who will join us in our commitment to support the continuation of Christian Care's legacy. Your tax-deductible donation will help fund programs, services and housing for seniors - regardless of their economic circumstances.

https://www.fellowshipsquareseniorliving.org/fellowship-square-blog/posts/2017/10/9/10-myths-about-aging/

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