Forever Young -- Living Memorial

I'm still on my soapbox against the "stinkin' thinkin' that we have to give up on life because of our age! Our age doesn't define the attitude of "growing old". In fact, I intend to stay forever young. No, I'm not in denial. I know my body isn't staying young, at least as it was when I was 18 , but I can sure stay young in my spirit! I intend to always have a gleam in my eye, a spring in my step. I intend to be full of life. I expect people to look at me and say “She’s still being fruitful in her old age." And, I WILL NOT be old and cynical. We’ve all seen folks like that – the older they become, the more bitter and cynical they become. We DON'T want to become the uncle or aunt that we just have to tolerate at a family gathering. (I'm smiling because I know I have some cousins who are reading this, and remember some of those folks! LOL!)

Here's the aunt or uncle or the grandmother or grandfather we should want to be like: In Psalms 92:14,15, it says “They are LIVING MEMORIALS to show the Lord is upright and faithful to his promises. He is my rock”. That's who I want to be -- a LIVING MEMORIAL This generation needs us. This world is upside down in morality and trust in God, and it’s because there are not enough living memorials. If we become living memorials, some things will change -- living memorials who love on purpose and don't quit at making a difference in this world. The woman in this picture is Nola Ochs, the Guinness World Record Holder who is, at age 97, the world's oldest college graduate. She is a Living Memorial of gumption, perseverance, fortitude and a perfect example of "Forever Young". Isn't it time that we had a "mindset" transplant -- from the attitude of "all done" to "bring it on"? Come on, fellow "mature" friends -- let's "bring it on" and "get it on" to be that Living Memorial that stays FOREVER YOUNG to impact this YOUNGER generation with our spirit of NEVER giving up!! — feeling young.

Let's Change the World in THIS Generation

There's the younger generation, mid-life generation or older generation! And, since we’re all alive at the same time, we are all THIS generation. And, if we'd get together, we could change the world in THIS generation. WHATEVER age, color, gender or nationality we are – God has a plan and a purpose for our lives and He needs us to pick up our batons and run this race because we are ALL still young – as long as we are on this earth. Why in the world do we allow society to dictate that at age 65 we retire? I’ve seen active and vibrant people, die when they retire. Why is that? Because they quit and feel obsolete; because they quit living before they need to. And if they don’t have a natural death, they die inside. They quit on life.

I’ve been on a rampage lately -- as I see people “check out” before they’re out! Pastor Craig Groeschel says, “If you’re not dead – you’re not done!” That’s become my personal “tag line”! If I’m still breathing, God has a plan and purpose for my life. You and I have gifts and purposes for OUR generation. Heaven is going to be amazing – beyond adequate words of explanation. But we’re still here, and we have a job to do HERE!

I said it a couple of days ago, and I say it again today -- there is no “retirement” in the Bible! There’s only refirement. Nelson Mandela was 72 when he was released from prison, and later became Prime Minister of South Africa.

Mother Teresa – at 85 was still running her phenomenal mission, because that’s what purpose does. Purpose keeps us young. She had more wrinkles than almost anyone, and she had more life than anyone who EVER pays big $$$$$ for a new and improved version on this side of heaven. We DO NOT have to get OLD. Psalms 92:12-15 “The uncompromisingly righteous shall flourish like the palm tree. They shall be long-lived, stately, upright, useful, They shall still bring forth fruit in old age.”

Shouldn’t that verse describe you and me? Shouldn’t we want to live out our days with zeal and determination? Shouldn’t we want to flourish, be useful and bring forth fruit all the days of our lives? We can! We can be ALL-OUT devoted, full-of-life rockin’ grannies and grandpas – packed full of passion and taking action while we still can! And, I’m proving it can be done…..just ask my grandkids!!!!