Power, Love, and Self-Control: I'm Like an Autumn Rose....

I'm Like an Autumn Rose....

In the late autumn of my life, I want to be like this rose that (along with a few others) persists in blooming in late November. Some of the foliage has given up, but not this flower!

To be sure, some of my "foliage" has given up! Youthful energy, skin tone, natural hair color, and memory are a few things that have gone...but NONE of those keep me from blooming beautifully.

The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, "the Lord is upright; he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him." (Psalm 92:12-15).

Physically, I will "bloom" using the strength God gives me to exercise - walking as energetically as I can; using the rebounder as often as I can. I will remind myself that I eat to live and not live to eat! I will limit the quantity of healthy food I eat. These are such basic, simple things for an autumn rose such as I.

Spiritually and mentally, I will flourish also. I will read, listen, and learn. I will attempt new things. I will seek out the company of like-minded Christians. I will steadily increase my communication with the Heavenly Father (prayer). I will read and meditate on God's Word. By His grace and planted firmly in Him, I will proclaim: "He IS my Rock! I am his Autumn Rose."

6 comments:

DianaNovember 22, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Ah the autumn of our lives. I love it. I have learned more these past few years than in my whole life. I do believe that we open ourselves up to life's treasures when we reach the Autumn of our lives. Love Di
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BernieNovember 22, 2009 at 4:14 PM
What a beautiful post....I love the knowledge and experience that comes to us during this season as I edge closer to the winter of my life....it doesn't bother me as I love life and all of it's seasons.....:-) Hugs
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JessNovember 22, 2009 at 4:19 PM
Rebecca,

You are a delightful and inspiring Rose!
Thank you for such helpful hints on how to stay joyful and delight our Heavenly Father.

The process of aging isn't easy but it sure can be rewarding!

Blessings!
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RebeccaNovember 22, 2009 at 4:31 PM
Bernie, If Diana is "autumn" I guess that does make us "winter", doesn't it? Funny how one loses track of the seasons.
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DeniseNovember 23, 2009 at 2:17 AM
Amen.
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Jacquelyn StagerNovember 24, 2009 at 3:29 AM
Rebecca, these are beautiful and encouraging thoughts! Hard as I tried to hold on to summer, I have to concede I'm (at least) in the autumn of my life! As you pointed out, we can still bear fruit in old age--what a blessed truth. Thanks for this!
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That Woman is a Success . . .
Found at itsnotaboutfood.blogspot.com

who loves life
and lives it to the fullest;

who has discovered and shared
the strengths and talents
that are uniquely her own;

who puts her best into each task
and leaves each situation
better than she found it;

who seeks and finds
that which is beautiful
in all people and all things;

whose heart is full of love
and warm with compassion;

who has found joy in living
and peace within herself.

~ Barbara J. Burrow ~

To which I add, "who makes God's kingdom and His righteousness her #1 priority"....(rlg)

"A day must come in our lives, as definite as the day of our conversion, when we give up all right to ourselves and submit to the absolute Lordship of Jesus Christ. . . . there must be a day when, without reservation, we surrender everything to Him--ourselves, our families, our possessions, our business and our time. All we are and have becomes His, to be held henceforth entirely at His disposal. From that day we are no longer our own masters, but only stewards. Not until the Lordship of Jesus Christ is a settled thing in our hearts can the Holy Spirit really operate effectively in us. He cannot direct our lives effectively until all control of them is committed to Him. If we do not give Him absolute authority in our lives, He can be present, but He cannot be powerful. The power of the Spirit is stayed." (Watchman Nee)

"Each day you take a few small steps, then build on them day after day. There may be set backs, everyone has them, but those victories will add up, and then pretty soon you'll be amazed at how different your life has become. And what could be more alluring than the prospect of waking up to your best life? So roll up your sleeves and get to work!"

"Remember, every step you take toward reaching your weight loss goal is really a gift that you give to yourself. When you eat right and exercise, you are taking care of yourself, treating yourself with respect, and acknowledging that you deserve* to be healthy and happy.” (Bob Green, The Best Life)

Rebecca's note: I have trouble with "deserve". I want to care for my body because God Himself cares for it! Do I "deserve" health? No, in light of my sinful inclinations and the fall of mankind, health is a gift. A GRACE-gift directly from the hand of God--a gift to be handled thankfully and thoughtfully.

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I'm Like an Autumn Rose....

6 comments: