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May 22, 2013 How to Stay Young Mary Southerland Today’s Truth The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy;  I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full (John 10:10, NIV). How to Stay Young 1. Throw out non-essential numbers such as your age, weight and height. 2. Keep only cheerful friends. The grouches pull you down. If you really need a grouch,  there are probably family members to fill that need. 3. Keep learning. Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever.  Just never let the brain idle. 4. Enjoy the simple things.  When the children are young - that is all you can afford.  When they are in college that is all you can afford.  When they are grown, and you are on retirement, that is all you can afford. 5. Laugh often, long and loud. Laugh until you gasp for breath.  Laugh so much that you can be tracked in the store by your distinctive laughter. 6. The tears happen. Endure, grieve, and move on.  The only person that is with us our entire life is ourselves. 7. Surround yourself with what you love,  whether it is family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies or whatever.  Your home is your refuge. 8. Cherish your health. If it is good, preserve it. If it is unstable, improve it.  If it is beyond what you can improve, get help. 9. Don't take guilt trips. Go to the mall, the next county, a foreign country - but not guilt. 10. Tell the people you love how much you love them every chance you get.  Never assume they know. 11. Don't worry about things you cannot change or do anything about.  Accept them and move on. 12. Read more and dust less. 13. Spend more time with your family and friends and less time working. 14. Whenever possible, life should be a pattern of experiences to savor, not to endure.  Recognize these moments now and cherish them. 15. Do not "save" anything.  Use your good china and crystal for every special event such as losing a pound,  getting the sink unstopped, or the next blossom of flowers you see. 16. Wear your best outfit to the market. 17. Don't save your good perfume for only special occasions.  Use it even if you are going shopping or just to the bank. 18. "Someday" and "one of these days" should vanish from your vocabulary.  Let’s Pray Father, I want to live life to the fullest. I want everything you have for me  and don’t want to miss a single blessing or trial that is for my good.  Please help me keep my eyes on You and celebrate every day  and all that it holds.  I trust You, Lord, to work all things together for my good and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.