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Erwin's 80th Birthday

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  Erwin’s 80 th Birthday Where did the years go? Cannot believe I will be an octogenarian. But life has showered many blessings. It is a miracle to be alive.   Every day my wife Mary makes me dream. For, she holds me close to her heart. I often delight over having our morning coffee. I love breakfast of cereal, berries, and almond milk.   It is the little things that matter most of all. The warmth of our son Matthew and daughter-in-law Shannon, Sending cards, and thank-you notes to relatives and friends. But this 80 th birthday is most symbolic in my life. It is the age when I continue to battle chronic ailments.   Yet, I do try to live a healthy life. Most times I write, read, and enjoy a good book. I enjoy delving into the biographies of famous people. These individuals motivate me to live to my fullest potential.   Undoubtedly, I endeavor to eat healthy meals and exercise. You can catch me three times a week on an exercise bike. On m
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Thorn in Flesh

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  Thorn in Flesh Imagine the full scope of life. With youth everything may be well. Gradually, people age with a thorn. A thorn in the flesh shapes their lives.   This pain is physical and psychological. Some may collapse under the strain. Others stand up to this constant irritation. They say, “It is part of a hidden life.”   But what does a person benefit? Are there good and bad days? What can be done to lessen the pain? But it is always best to go with the flow.   To live successfully means living with a thorn. It is a vital catalyst of keeping people focused. Although, people must not give in to the stress. Sometimes, there are not any good answers.   As the saying goes, “People keep trucking on.” When they take this approach, they build confidence. These individuals overcome amazing odds. They are determined by their efforts and live in hope.      
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Positive Living

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  Positive Living How do you feel? Are you able to sleep? Do you have an appetite? Are you crushed by depression?   You may be experiencing Thoughts that are unhealthy. These may be debilitating. But what should you do?   The answer rests with you. Learn how to beat these blues. Talk things through with a good friend. And listen carefully to his or her advice.   Practice activities that are life-affirming. Play music that brings you joy. Socialize with folks that are positive. Just watch these bad thoughts disappear.   Then, rethink the way you handle stress. Motivate yourself to have a helpful hobby. Soon, you will realize things are not as bad. This is how to emphasize the positive in living.  
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A Loving Shepherd

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  A Loving Shepherd W. Phillip Keller, author of A Shepherd Looks at Psalm 23 grew up and lived in East Africa surrounded by herders.  He explains much of what happens resembles those shepherds in the Middle East.  For eight years he was a sheep rancher, and was engrossed with the stories of the Bible.  He therefore uses natural phenomena to provide insights into supernatural truth.  Keller points out that present day city dwellers miss biblical teachings because they are unable to relate to nomadic folks who live in simplicity.    Keller brings to bear a shepherd’s insight to this devotional Psalm.  He empathizes with David himself and refers to Psalm 23 as “David’s Hymn of Praise to Divine Diligence.” With “I shall not want,” God points out that in our lives like sheep we will be free from friction, for he has prepared an ideal banquet for our every need.  God leads us to “still waters.” He does not want us to toil on dry, semi-arid soil without having deep, clean, and pure wate
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A Family's Challenges

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  A Family’s Challenges What a breath of fresh air! Our mother was lovely and kind. She was a symbol of goodness. And lived for her eleven children.   Mom’s family is in the Americas. They walk the streets of North America. Some dwell on Canadian soil. But most reside in Guyana, South America.   The Thomas’s were born in Georgetown. They were delivered by a local midwife. Their first home was a three-room house That was situated in the heart of North Road.   All the children have grown to be adults. They have lost two of their brothers and a sister. Yet, their memories live on and are dear to them. These loved ones reside within their hearts.   Life has treated the adult children well. Most of them are married with children of their own. Through their jobs, they have been able to live good lives. But, like everyone else their families have had challenges.      
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A Family Prays

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  A Family Prays Lord, you are the God who saves me; day and night I cry out to you.  May my prayer come before you; turn your ear to my cry. Psalm 88:1-2 Dad’s mind was on Saturday because he considered it to be our Sabbath Day.  On this day, as soon as we awoke, he summoned us to pray.  The kids all gathered in the living room and knelt.  Dad would then pray with us from his heart.  “Almighty and Everlasting God, we humbly ask you to continue to bless our family.  We are most thankful for the many blessings you have showered on us.  We are especially grateful for our health, food, and shelter.  Although, we do not have much, we’re most thankful.” Amen! “We humbly ask you to continue to bless our work, and especially the efforts of mom, who does so much.  We thank you for granny Sarah, Edwin, Squee, and Boyie for all they do.  Thank you for our family, and the kids, who are in school.  Help us to have joyful and kind hearts. Amen! “Please continue to guide us in having a l
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A Life of Optimism

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  A Life of Optimism What does life mean? Are there lessons to be learned? Do people just live and die? How should they live?   Take life one day at a time. Enjoy every moment fully. Be sure to smell the roses. And have a glass of wine.   Life is shorter than you think. Days pass by that many hardly remember. But are they open to the undulations of change? This is the only way to pursue happiness.   Our families grow up before our eyes. Some people decide to have hobbies. They pursue their dreams with a purpose. These decisions mean a lot for older adults.   Older folks are faced with challenges. Many of their afflictions are health issues. These conditions cause unexpected problems. Some may see their dreams of life shattered. But why don’t they live like optimists? It’s one way of living sanely in this world.     
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