Turning the "Big 5-0"

A lot happens when you turn 50. I thought I would feel "old" but that hasn't hit me yet. What has happened is realizing a stronger awareness of who I am and why I am here. I've learned there are others who have doubts about themselves the same as me, whether or not they are dealing with a chronic illness. The MS is now secondary-progressive with brain atrophy (my brain is shrinking faster than normal). But only on the right side. And I am still walking; clumsily at times, but walking. Keeping a sense of humor really helps. Along with all of that, my One-A-Day's graduated to Senior (Yikes!). As if from age 49 to 50 I need something different now. Via my doctor's orders I am low-fat, lactose-free, caffeine-free and I reluctantly slowed way down on chocolate. Twizzlers are still my downfall. There's nothing like watching a movie and downing a half-bag of the Strawberry ones. Even so, I have lost, so far, 40 unwanted pounds that I acquired living on a farm eating Southern cooking. In-home walking is something I try to do three times a week. Now that it's getting nice, I'm out when I can be. We fifty-somethings can't just lollygag around all day and eat Twizzlers, you know. Our tushes won't stand for it. I have my first Smart Phone. Hey, that's a big deal to me. Also, at least for now, I've decided not to color my hair. The white streaks on the sides don't really bother me. I like it - it's kind of Rogue-ish. Besides, every color I've tried just looks fake. Another good side of turning 50 is that menopause is a thing of the past for me. Very important. I joined an awesome church in what is probably the most enjoyable place I have ever lived. And I have lived A LOT of places. It is a place where people love each other and others as Jesus intended. We don't hide our imperfections but bring them out and talk about them. God knows anyway. My husband and each of my children have gotten something that they really wanted, so that makes me happy. What the future holds, I do not know nor would I want to know. But my guess is that Lord willing, if I get there, I will be able to look back and say that 50 was my favorite age.

Blather...can I blog now?

It's been just about a year since I decided to blog. Had no clue what I was doing and really still don't but here I am. I didn't like my blog address then and decided not to make things complicated. Being myself has become so much easier since learning how. Boy, did that take awhile! Since my need to constantly please everyone has gone, it allows more time. But last year's post although I meant what was said, did come off as a rant, which I don't like to do very often. It tends to put people off. Time, hopefully changes us for the better. Jesus simply made the difference for me. In the last couple of years even more so. It's amazing what He will do for one who is utterly broken. When He put me back together, I sure didn't look the same. It's a good thing, too. Because that other Nancy sure was ugly on the inside.So, this is really just about starting over. Again. He is a God of second chances.

If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17

My Choice

In his 2001 Presidential Inaugural Address, Former President George W. Bush stated, ““And this is my solemn pledge: I will work to build a single nation of justice and opportunity. I know this is within our reach, because we are guided by a power larger than ourselves, Who creates us equal in His image.” He continues to be one of the most despised presidents. Why? Because of His belief in God. For that very reason and because he refuses to hide it, he is one I admire most. Like so many believers and followers of Jesus, he is ridiculed for his faith. Also, like every one of us, he is not infallible. Christianity was not meant to make us perfect on this earth. But we are called to strive to live as examples of the One who saved us. That can only happen through faith in Jesus Christ as your Savior. We are still going to make mistakes. But in that moment of decision when we have truly invited Him into our hearts and asked Him to take our lives as His own, He begins to transform us. He slowly begins to bring out the things that would do us harm and replaces them with loveliness through His Holy Spirit. We begin to see ourselves and others in a different light. Indeed, we see all things differently. Those who do not know this Truth, are in fact blinded to it. Some will hear the gospel and be saved. Others will hear and because they have made their own decision to harden their hearts, will not accept and be lost. It is one thing however, to hear a message, not listen to it and go on your way. It is quite another to hear the message and vehemently oppose it, persecuting all those who promote and support it. As history has shown us and more recently showing almost daily, Christianity is a prime target.

This comes as no surprise to followers of Christ. We were told this would happen.  Jesus said, “In the world you will have tribulation”(John 16:33). In the book of Peter it is written that, …”scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming? For since the fathers fell asleep all things continue as they were from the beginning of creation.’” (2Pet. 3:3-4).. We will be persecuted. We know these things are going to happen to us and yet our God commands us to stand firm. The souls of the unsaved around us are at stake. The Bible teaches us that God created us in His image. Who in their right mind would not want the power of God behind them and living inside of them? They defy the very One who desires to save, renew, restore and redeem. But, this is a battle for the mind. There is a war going on for your very soul and the ruler of this world (Satan) has much to offer, enticing the human with pleasures beyond imagination. After all, if it appeared as it were in reality, no one would want it. Because in reality, all the devil has to offer is sin and death. It may look, feel or sound appetizing but only for a moment. What the Lord offers is sometimes the opposite. The life of a Christian is not an easy one. But the rewards are great and they are eternal. What do you get for your decision for Christ? You get peace, joy, forgiveness, love, humility, freedom, self-control, goodness, kindness, blessings unimaginable, a Father and constant friend and companion, just to name a few. What the devil gave me was shame, guilt, anger, loneliness, bitterness, pride, strife and nothing of any lasting value, except a reserved spot in Hell. Jesus brought me peace and all things of everlasting worth. Before I chose Him to save me, He chose me to die for. That is a staggering thought. There is Someone who loves me that much? Yes. And you as well. But He will never force you to accept His offer of salvation, forgiveness and eternal life. “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him, should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world but that the world through Him might be saved.” (John 3:16-17)

What’s your choice?