September 2017

September 18, 2017

Plan your own memorial service, Part One

By Bob Sitze

In Death/Dying, Personal Power, Relationships, Soul Searchings

September 18, 2017

2 Min Read

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18September

Planning your own memorial service is one of those advance death directives—like having a will or naming a power-of-attorney for your health and financial affairs—that makes good sense. Your memorial service—a valuable worship experience for all who survive you—may turn out to be the last and highest witness of your spiritual core. Those in attendance will come ready for more than a usual time ofMORE...

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September 16, 2017

A thanks ministry

By Bob Sitze

In Lifestyle, Personal Power

September 16, 2017

2 Min Read

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16September

I am overwhelmed with reasons to be thankful. I am also full of memories about the thanks-deserving moments in my path through life. If that’s true for you, too, you might want to consider beginning a “thanks ministry” where you are right now. At home, in your church, at your assisted living facility, with your family or friends. A way of changing the world around you, sure. But also a way ofMORE...

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September 15, 2017

A weeding reverie

By Bob Sitze

In Lifestyle, Personal Power

September 15, 2017

2 Min Read

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15September

  If you’re not a fan of weeding, this entry might strike you as odd: This guy really enjoys pulling weeds! But if you read along or watch my thoughts, you might start to understand why I can rhapsodize about the never-ending task of weeding. I really like to weed. Especially after a soaking rain, when the weed roots don’t have a tight grip on the soil. Especially in the morning, before theMORE...

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September 14, 2017

Old and poor

By Bob Sitze

In For Caregivers, Lifestyle, Soul Searchings

September 14, 2017

2 Min Read

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14September

A strange title for a blog that’s supposed to be about “fullness of life” for older people? Perhaps you’re right to think that, but hear me out: I think we have to come to terms in our churches with the reality that in the coming years an increasing percentage of members will be both old and poor. That the fullness of life they expected in their later years is not going to be possible. Author andMORE...

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September 13, 2017

Tell me a story?

By Bob Sitze

In Lifestyle, Personal Power, Relationships

September 13, 2017

2 Min Read

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13September

If generational theorists are right, AND if you have grandchildren, you are probably a bona fide hero for those children. Starting from the time they can climb up into your lap or sit quietly, these infants and young children mostly likely love to hear stories that come from you. Sure, you can read them any number of children’s books and Bibles—the wealth of children’s literature is astoundingMORE...

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September 12, 2017

Maudie

By Bob Sitze

In Current Events, Mind/Body, Personal Power

September 12, 2017

2 Min Read

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12September

Let me be direct: You should see this film, or wait for it to appear in the listings of streaming services to which you subscribe. The title, “Maudie” names the film’s primary character, Maud Lewis, someone with unnamed physical disabilities whose soul is full of spunk, empathy and love. The plot—based in the life story of this remarkable woman—follows her journey to self-reliance and lifeMORE...

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September 11, 2017

It’s all been taken away

By Bob Sitze

In Current Events, Death/Dying, Lifestyle

September 11, 2017

2 Min Read

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11September

The effects of Hurricanes Harvey and Irma are continuing to come into focus. Those of us who are older realize that it’s not only the residents of Texas and Florida who feel as though they have lost everything. We older adults can see how we might find ourselves in the same position. No matter how robust our lives and how sure we are of our capabilities, there will be times when we realize thatMORE...

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September 10, 2017

Fearfully and wonderfully made 1.0

By Bob Sitze

In Lifestyle, Mind/Body

September 10, 2017

2 Min Read

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10September

This is the introductory blog of an ongoing series that will periodically answer the simple question: What might it mean for older adults to claim that they are still “fearfully and wonderfully made?” The questions will be familiar; the answers may not be….   According to the Hebrew Scriptures, we can find comfort—perhaps amazement—in realizing that we are wonderfully constructed organismsMORE...

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September 9, 2017

Your last place

By Bob Sitze

In Death/Dying, For Caregivers, Mind/Body, Soul Searchings, Time

September 9, 2017

2 Min Read

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09September

In just a few days, an elderly friend of mine will begin her residency at a convalescent center. It’s a reasonably efficient and caring place, and the care that residents receive is rated highly. This move won’t be easy for my friend: This will feel like “the last place” she’ll live. Most likely she will be institutionalized there until the time of her death. This is still another step-down: FromMORE...

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September 8, 2017

On hugging

By Bob Sitze

In Lifestyle, Mind/Body, Personal Power

September 8, 2017

2 Min Read

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08September

I write here with expectations about the common hug, a signal part of many greetings and partings. By these words I want to encourage other senior citizens to think of your hugging as a special gift especially you can offer to others. First this observation: Many of us who are up in years may not get hugged all that much. Our natural hugging partners—family, dear friends—may not be close at handMORE...

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