"Fabulous after Fifty™" is the Syndicated On-Line Weekly Column by Shirley W. Mitchell, a National Author/Writer/Syndicated Columnist/Speaker and Celebrity Radio Talk Show Host, also known as "The Golden Egg of Aging™" -  View some of the most inspirational and motivational articles on aging, baby boomers, seniors, senior lifestyles, health, diet, exercise, business, women's and men's issues, specific topic articles, poems, writings, recipes, area news, and special people. Shirley W. Mitchell's "Passion" for encouraging Aging people is both Contagious and Intense! We have the Ability to Change Aging History with our "Pulse" & "Faith". To Teach. To Educate. To Transform. If you enjoy the Articles posted here, you will certainly enjoy my Column Articles within  "Senior Lifestyle Magazine". "Fabulous after Fifty™" is fashioned after her "Lace Over Steel™" and "Fabulous after Fifty™" Weekly Newspaper Columns that appeared in the Sand Mountain Reporter of Albertville, Alabama. We want to thank the newspaper and all our readers for their support over the past 25+ years Ms. Mitchell's Column was printed. We inspire to bring more Style and Enthusiasm to it in the future.

Jan. 18, 2001

Jan. 18, 2001 - Cheat the Aging Process © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ The following are 10 Age Cheaters that are the secrets to being Fabulous after 50. 1. Faith - in God; believing in eternity keeps you sipping from the fountain of youth. People who have faith and attend worship service regularly live longer and better. 2. Exercise - Use it or lose it! Body-Soul-Mind-Spirit. 3. Attitude - We are what we think. Some of us are growing younger while most of us are growing older. If we work for energy and zeal, expecting life to be rich, full and adventurous, our lives will be a self-fulfilling prophecy. 4. Proper Diet - Eat a daily balanced diet from the Food Guide Pyramid (You can find it on your bread wrapper!). Take one multi-vitamin/multi-mineral dietary supplement daily. 5. Laugh - People who laugh, last! Laughter is a stress buster and lifts both our spirits and our face. It juices the chemical endorphins in the brain that make us feel euphoric. 6. Keep Moving - Get up and go! If you dread growing older because it is a time of deterioration and memory loss, then it will be like that. However, if you use this time to keep moving and growing, you will prescribe for yourself years crackling with excitement and adventure. 7. Look Good - When you look your best, you feel your best and get more positive response from the people with whom you interact. 8. Live in the Now - Live your best Now. Each new day is a new life. Yesterday is a cancelled check. Tomorrow is promissory note. Today is a check. Have fun spending it! 9. Re-fire - Don't retire, re-fire. make your aging life burn with energy and spontaneous combustion. It only takes a spark to get a fire going. 10. Give - You can't outgive God or people. (The above column is an excerpt from Shirley's book "Fabulous after 50: Finding Fulfillment for Tomorrow.")

Feb. 15, 2001

Feb. 15, 2001 - The New Old Are Players In Life, Not Spectators © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ The 76 million baby boomers and the senior boom from the New Old - this large group of people over 50 have a different lifestyle and attitude than the over 50, living during the 1950s. This unique group of aging people are giving a new meaning to the "fountain of youth." The New Old are not becoming dusty museum relics but are bringing old world traditions and new world sparkle into a union made in heaven. Last weekend, I attended the University of Montevallo's 2001 Homecoming Odyssey. The women who graduated from the university 50 years ago were highlighted. These rare collectable jewels brightened the campus with their million dollar smiles and bright yellow Golden Girls banners. I came to the conclusion these Golden Girls were shakers and movers. They made the Montevallo 2001 Alumni weekend an ultimate experience. These women were remembering the past, enjoying the present and preparing for the future. They had retired from vocations but not from life. They were players, not spectators. Mother Nature and Father Time has given them the ability to live a long life. They made the choice to live young. Hearts that are full of love, faith, courage, beauty, grandeur, dreams, passion and hope are forever young. Hearts that are icy with pessimism and lose sight of the good things in life and the hope of eternity will be forever old. Jesus has the secret of the New Old and the Fountain of Youth. He said, "If you are thirsty, come to me! If you believe in me, come and drink! For the scriptures declare that rivers of living water will flow out from within." (John 7: 37-38 New Living Translation) You are the writer and star of your own play of life. Write a manuscript for happiness. Shine as the star of your aging life. I leave you with a prayer for wisdom from the psalmist: "Now that I am old and gray, do not abandon me, O God. Let me proclaim your power to this generation, your mighty miracles to all who come after me." (Psalm 71: 18 New Living Translation)

Apr. 19, 2001

Apr. 19, 2001 - Tips Turn Thoughts Toward Eternal Life © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ Last week's brilliant celebration of Easter tuned our thoughts to the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ. I'd like to share with you from my book, "Fabulous After 50," the top 10 eternity-looking thoughts. 10. Throw away the hankies! No more death, sorrow, tears or pain. (Revelation 21:4) 9. We get a new body! "We shall also bear the image of the heavenly...we shall all be changed...this mortal must put pn immortality." (I Corinthians 15:49-53 NASB 8. No more mortgage payments! "I go to prepare a place for you," said Jesus in John 14:3 7. No more taxes: these streets are paved with God's gold, not ours. 6. No more standby flights: we get a quick trip! "For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout...Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up...in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and thus we shall always be with the Lord." (I Thessalonians 4:16-17 NASB) 5. We have a constant companion. "The Father...will give you another helper (the Holy Spirit), that he may be with you forever." (John 14:16 NASB) 4. No more tension headaches. Jesus left us a great gift: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, nor let it be fearful." (John 14:27 NASB) 3. Whiule waiting practice this: "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you" (John 13:34 NASB) 2. Walk into the future: "Walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory" (I Thess. 2:12 NASB) 1. Eternity starts now!: Take hold now of the eternal life to which you were called" (I Tim. 6:12 NASB) Be Fabulous after 50 forever! (See FIFTY, Page 10B)

Jun. 21, 2001

Jun. 21, 2001 - Each New Day Is New Bloom © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ Being a grandparent is awesome. Summer is a good time to spend quality time with these precious ones. Thinking  about my own grandparents and looking to the future with my six grandchildren, I relate to Psalms 128: 6 from The Living Bible, "May you live to enjoy your grandchildren." My own grandmothers were special. My mother's mother, Hattie B. Chandler, half Cherokee Indian, a strong woman of God, would go into the cornfield near her farm home in Clay County, Ala., kneel down in the soft dirt of the long rows of tall green corn and pray loud prayers for me, her first grandchild. My father's mother, Ester Todd, a role model to me as a great mother of five and excellent cook and worked alongside me in the cotton fields during my early years. She and I would compete, picking cotton. She picked , more pounds per day most of the time; however, I won the competition occasionally. It was a great motivation for a grandchild. She also played the organ and piano at church services. She loved flowers and plants. Her yard full of colorful day lilies, ferns and all the gorgeous Southern plants we enjoy filled the air with perfume. She is walking the "streets of gold;" however, I'm still enjoying her flowers. On my dining table stands a bouquet of bright orange day lilies straight and tall, plucked from her yard. The day lily bulbs were planted many years ago by her fragile hands. The day lilies bloom only one day. However, the next day a new crop of blooms open. Pulling the dead blooms from yesterday's bouquet, allowing the new blooms to shine, I realize God gives us grandchildren to allow a little part of us to live on after death. Staring at the exquisite day lilies, God whispered to my spirit, "Like the day lilies, each new day is a new bloom."

Jul. 19, 2001

Jul. 19, 2001 - Maturity Can Be Fun © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ Last summer I attended a Christian Leaders, Authors, Speakers Seminar in St. Louis, Mo. At breakfast one morning I heard someone call my name. I looked around to see Bonnie Cobb Skinner, who grew up on Sand Mountain. She is a member of the V.T. Cobb family. Her grandfather contributed to Sand Mountain folks culinary enjoyment as he provided us with his great Sand Mountain sorghum syrup. Bonnie Cobb Skinner will be the featured speaker at a special event at the First Methodist Church in Crossville at 7 p.m. Saturday. Her topic will be "Making Maturity Fun." Bonnie exemplifies a joy-filled life and promises a fun-filled evening. This special event is open to everyone! For more information, contact Colene Morgan at 256-659- 4430. I hope my readers are having a fun-filled summer. Those who laugh, last. Some of my favorite quotes: "Laughter is wine for the soul - laughter soft, or loud and deep, tinged through with serious-ness...the hilarious declaration made by man that life is worth living." (Scan O'Casey) "If God had to give a woman wrinkles, he might at lea,st have put them on the soles of her feet." (Ninon De Lenclos) "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." (King Solomon) "The cheerful disposition protects health, adds warmth and vibrance to personality, increases success, stimulates life and multiplies our pleasantries." (Leroy Brownlow)

Aug. 30, 2001

Aug. 30, 2001 - Every Aging Person Possesses Hidden Wealth © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ Dr. Ken Dychtwald, president and chief executive officer of Age Wave Inc., an education and communications firm advising industry and government on the social, lifestyle and business implications of an aging America, has pioneered today's concept of aging. At the 1993 Age Wave Institute, he said, "I've spent the last 20 years studying aging and older people... When I got involved in the aging field, it was primarily concerned with the sorrows and woes of aging. And while the concern among the professionals in my field was real and important, it seemed to me that by primarily focusing on the difficulties of aging - the terrible problems and enfeeblements that later years my bring - we were not hearing from the other voice, the voice of a more positive aging. There are people in this country growing old well - with vigor, with power, with style, with an interest in living fully and being part of the American marketplace." His term, "Age Wave," refers to the huge demographic shift, beginning in 1996, when the leading edge of the baby boomers - the 76 million people born between 1946 and 1964 - turned 50 and merged with seniors to create an enormous senior society. Now, with millions of Americans over 50, positive aging is vital. In fact, there  are  more  people over age 65 in the world today than at any  other time in the history of the world put together. Albert Einstein said, "Do not grow old, no matter how long you life. Never Cease to stand like curious children before the Great Mystery into which we are born." Whatever your age, it's important to know that within every aging person, there lies hidden wealth. (This column is an excerpt from Shirley Mitchell's book, "Fabulous After 50: Finding Fulfillment for Tomorrow.")

Sept. 6, 2001

Sept. 6, 2001 - People Never Lose Their Value © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ A well-known speaker started off his seminar by holding up a $20 bill. In the room of 200, he asked, "Who would like this $20 bill?" Hands started going up. He said, "I am going to give this $20 to one of you, but first, let me do this." He proceeded to crumple the bill up. He then asked, "Who still wants it?" Still the hands were up in the air. "Well," he replied, "what if I do this?" And he dropped it on the ground and started to grind it into the floor with his shoe. He picked it up, now all crumpled and dirty. "Now who still wants it?" Still the hands went into the air. "My friends, you have all just learned a very valuable lesson. No matter what I did to the money, you still wanted it because it did not decrease the value. It was still worth $20. Many times in our lives, we are dropped, crumbled and ground into the dirt by the decisions we make and the circumstances that come our way. We feel as though we are worthless. But no matter what has happened or what will happen, you will never lose your value." To know you will never lose your value is wisdom". King Solomon said, "For wisdom is better than rubies, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it."

Sept. 13, 2001

Sept. 13, 2001 - Take A Day To Respect The Aged © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ My calendar tells me that Sept. 15 is Respect for the Aged Day. In honor of that day I review a book, "Elder Grace: The Nobility of Aging," by Chester Higgins Jr. with a foreword by Maya Angelou. "'Elder Grace' is a love song to the nobility of aging with a personal foreword from Maya Angelou. This powerful book, based on the traveling photographic exhibition of the same name, features portraits of African-American elders and their thoughts about the experience of aging. "The process of aging for some elder people can translate into a mysterious reservoir of wisdom - people who miraculously blossom, seasoned by years of living. Through the lens of his camera, Chester Higgins Jr. takes a look at 80 thriving African-American men and women who found beauty within themselves and are experiencing aging with energy, wit and grace. Alongside each portrait are comments from the subjects that express a collective wisdom about life and aging," stated a review. "Those who are successful  prevail because they  never think negatively of themselves or the circumstances surrounding them. They never give up." (Harold F. Hamilton) "Happiness is key to my survival, and I'm responsible for my own happiness." (Judy Blackman) "I know who I am. Being me is important to me." (Maria Ortiz) "My grandchildren make me realize I will live on after my death." (Constance Baker Motley) "Good  friends are presents from God." (Beatrice Stroud) "Every day I'm as young as 1 want to be and as old as I have to be." (Rhoda A Jones Hams) "I  put  a  great  deal   of emphasis on positive affirmation. It is my mental fertilizer." (Rhoda A. Jones Harris) "I've learned to put the past behind me and move forward." (Eleanor Jones) "I've learned to Jove myself. 1 didn't know that you should. If you don't love yourself, you can't love anybody or anything." (Mauriel Harris)

Sept. 20, 2001

Sept. 20, 2001 - Importance Of Community Clear In Tragic Times © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ Our hearts bleed. We feel a need to hug. The patriotic feelings flow as we drape ourselves, homes and businesses in red, white and blue. Tears spring into our eyes as the tender scenes from New York, Washington and Pennsylvania fill our TV screens. We draw close to God as we fill our churches. Our lives have been invaded by terrorists. My heart was strangely warmed as I attended the prayer service at Albertville City Hall Friday at noon. The City Hall being full, I stood outside with about 100 other Albertvillians. During the special service, I realized the importance of community. There were young men standing around me with MUB written on their shirts. Firemen, policemen, clergy, doctors - people who've been a positive part of my life for many years - stood and cried together. I received comfort as my pastor, Dr. Bill Etheridge, read Psalm 27, "The Lord is my light and salvation - so why should I be afraid? The Lord protects me from danger - so why should I tremble? When evil people come to destroy me, when my enemies and foes attack me they will stumble and fall. "Though a mighty army surrounds me, my heart will know no fear. Even if thy attack me, I remain confident. "The one thing I ask of the Lord - the thing I seek most - is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord's perfections and meditating in His temple. "For He will conceal me there when troubles come; He will hide me in His sanctuary. He will place me on a high rock. "Then I will hold my head high, above my enemies who surround me. At His tabernacle I will offer sacrifices with shouts of joy, singing and praising the LORD with music, "Listen to my pleading, O Lord. Be merciful and answer me! "My heart has heard 'Come and talk with me.' And my heart responds, 'Lord, I am coming.' "Do not hide yourself from me. Do not reject your servant in anger. You have always been my helper. Don't leave me now; don't abandon me, O God of my salvation! "Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. "Teach me how to live, O Lord. Lead me along the path of honesty, for my enemies are waiting for me to fall. "Do not let me fall into their hands. For they accuse me of things I've never done and breathe out violence against me. "Yet I am confident that I will see the Lord's goodness here in the land of the living. "Wait patiently for the Lord. Be brave and courageous. Yes, wait patiently for the Lord." GOD BLESS AMERICA! (The World Trade Center as seen from Ellis Island before terrorists attacked the New York landmark. Shirley W. Mitchell took the photo in August while on a trip to the city, encourages others to look to the Lord in this time of tragedy.)

Sept. 27, 2001

Sept. 27, 2001 - Stake A Claim On The Promised Land Of Aging © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ 'Look To The Future With Hope And Strength' Paradoxically, as we look into our future we are filled with hope and the dread of the giant problems created by the terrorist attack on our country. Searching God's word for strength, I gathered strength from Caleb and Joshua. Moses sent 12 of the leaders of the tribes of Israel to spy out the Promised Land, the land of Canaan. The men found great walled cities, strong people, even giants; they also found a land flowing with milk and honey. They brought back to Moses one cluster of grapes that took two men to transport on a pole between their shoulders. Ten of the men saw giants, comparing themselves with grasshoppers. Caleb and Joshua recognized problems but focused on the possibilities.All 12 men had seen the same thing. Ten said, "We can't!" - Two said, "We can!" The ten thought about we. Caleb and Joshua added the Lord to the equation. The Bible tells us, "And Caleb stilled the people before Moses and said, 'Let us go up at once and possess it for we are able to overcome it." (Numbers 13: 30 King James Version) Listening to President George W. Bush's State of the Union address, I thought of Caleb. Our President made us believe we can defeat the terrorist. Caleb and Joshua portrayed a different spirit. Life with God turn problems into positives. The 10 men who said "We can't" died of a plague. Caleb and Joshua doubled their lifetime and were sent to conquer the land. Courageous Caleb, who conquered old age with vigor and faithfulness to God, said, "...I am this day fourscore and five years old. And yet I am as strong this day as I was in the day that Moses sent me (45 years old): as my strength was then, even so is my strength now, for war, both to go out and to come in. Now give me this mountain..." (Joshua 14: 10-12 King James Version) God is bigger than these giants of aging and giants of war. Though these giants may make you feel like grasshoppers, remember God will give you the courage to possess your promised land of aging and America, flowing with milk and honey.

Oct. 4, 2001

Oct. 4, 2001 - America Will Not Fail © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ As I write this column, the top news story on America On-Line reads, "Bush cites progress on terrorism." I enjoyed lunch today with the senior group, called Keenagers, at the First Baptist Church, Boaz. We are proud to be Americans. We discussed our leadership, people in New York and people all over America are tough but tender. I get a vision of velvet over steel. Velvet means "a rich fabric of silk, cotton, rayon with a soft thick pile. Anything with a surface like that of velvet, for instance the soft furry skin on a deer's growing antlers." Steel means "A hard tough metal composed of iron allowed with a small percentage of carbon nickel, or chromium." (Webster's Dictionary) President Bush pledged war on terrorism with bipartisan support. He said, "We will not fail." My book editor, Jim Fletcher, co-authored a new book, "The Last War." The following poem from that book will give you courage, because "we have read the last page of the grand old, yet ever new book, the Bible. And there we find out that we are going to win!" "Let's go forward to God And resist the foe. Don't give in to the man of sin Our God is mighty, And we're bound to win. Satan has an evil force To fight against the-Lord, So put on your armor. Take up your sword. We're going in the name of the Lord!" (Used by: permission, Neil Moore)

Oct. 11, 2001

Oct. 11, 2001 - Share A Laugh In Times Of Fear and Sadness © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ In times of war, we are tempted to fear turning our mature living into a depressed state. Wise old King Solomon said, "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine: but a broken spirit drieth the bones." Proverbs 17:22. Let's laugh together as we enjoy Donna Lagorio Montgomery's poem, "I Sing Loudly When I'm All Alone," from her book "Aged Wine." "I'm trying not to waddle as I walk life's crooked path. I try to keep on smiling when I'd rather groan and frown. My bladder's not so good; eyes and nose keep dripping, freely. I fall asleep while sitting up, and wake up when it's sleep time. I'm responsible for only me; my kids are on their own. I clean when 'ere the spirit moves me and sing loudly when I'm all alone. I bless each waking moment that I'm gifted for no reason, and marvel at God's goodness for creating me so special. I love where I have been,  and also where I'm going. So the world can take or leave me' it's no concern or worry. I've earned my eccentricity; it's way to late to change And think, 'poor thing' remember, your turn's on its way!"  (Used by permission)

Oct. 18, 2001

Oct. 18, 2001 - Solitude Cures A Busy Lifestyle © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ In wartime we look to God. Life can become extremely complicated and busy! "Busyness lends a false sense of importance to our days," wrote Jane Rubietta in "Quiet Places: A Woman's Guide to Personal Retreat." "If we're busy, we must be valuable... This perpetual churning thinly covers the lack of meaning, shielding us from our fear of nothingness. It also substitutes for waiting on God... The only antidote I have found to busyness is solitude." In solitude, Jane said we can shed our mask of busyness and begin to find real rest and renewed meaning in God. Solitude is a treasured time to converse with God, find rest and solace in his bosom, be lifted to the weightlessness of his spirit and seek his guidance. Several simple steps insure some time of quiet: • Find a private, comfortable, cheerful place for meditation. • Decide the time of day that is perfect for your lifestyle and when you are most alert. This time can be flexible and can even be spread throughout the day. • Collect tools: your favorite translation of the Bible or perhaps a parallel Bible with several different translations lined up next to each other; pen and journal for writing thoughts, prayers, answered prayers and dreams; devotional books and Bible concordance to help you dig nuggets of gold from God's word for your aging and improving life; and a personal planning calendar. Then, do it! Meeting the Master face to face is life changing! Perceiving God's holiness, perfection, love and majesty explodes mature living into heights never before experienced in life! As you pray, talk to God as an intimate friend. Remember that good friends not only talk but listen, and listening to God is often overlooked in our haste to move on. God speaks to us through our mind and through his word, the scriptures. "My sheep hear my voice," said Jesus, "and I know them, and they follow me." (John 10: 27 King James version) J.I. Packer, in "Knowing God," said, "God's word is his almighty speech. God's spirit is his almighty breath." As we draw near to God during our quiet time, we understand how Moses must have felt when he drew near the burning bush. A quiet time is "holy ground." Knowing God and knowing that the Bible is the primary authority and power for our lives gives us confidence to live the last half of our lives victoriously. We are foolish to choose anything less than God. If we cheat ourselves out of the miracle of intimacy with him, we cheat ourselves out of living the abundant life. Old age can be viewed as a thief that "comes only to steal and kill and destroy," but Jesus comes "that (we) might have life and might have it abundantly." (John 10: 10 NASB) This time alone with God reaps wonderful rewards! "Because he loves me," said the Lord, "I will rescue him; I will protect him for he acknowledges my name. He will call upon me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honour him. With long life will I satisfy him and show him my salvation." (Psalm 91: 14-16 New International Version)

Nov. 8, 2001

Nov. 8, 2001 - Exercise Adds SuccessTo Life © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ Zip puts you on pitch at 50 to sing the song of successful aging, and zip requires a fit body. "If we don't use our muscles, hearts and brains, they'll shrivel," said Dr. Walter Bortz II. A fit body can't be bought, but the good news is women in middle life can build muscle, gain strength and increase their stamina and flexibility. We can discard one of the common myths of aging: atrophy and crippling are not inevitable. "Moses was 120 years old when he died, yet his eyesight was perfect, and he was as strong as a young man." (Deuteronomy 34: 7, The Living Bible) With the proper exercise plan, our generation can retard or repel the ravages of disease, aging and gravity. Fitness for older women is imperative if we are to believe current T-shirt wisdom: "If you don't take care of your body, where will you live?" All the goal-oriented information in the rest of this book is worthless if our bodies are not fit to carry out our dreams. Exercise, combined with sound nutrition and an upbeat attitude, offers an unbeatable formula for vigor in midlife. After compiling recent research, so great are the benefits of exercise on health, attitude and longevity, I feel it is safe to say, "Exercise or die." Unfortunately, not many of us take up the challenge to improve our physical well-being. Data from the Centers for Disease Control shows only 16 percent of women 65 or older exercised regularly in 1990, and this percentage decreases as we age. Mike Snider wrote an article in USA Today, "If the USA got a grade for exercise, it probably would be 'd' for darned little." In the age of instant - instant oatmeal, instant cash, instant telecommunication - many find it hard to imagine long-term planning for fitness. Instant fitness is not possible, but the rewards of consistent workouts are tremendous. Workout rewards: 1. Increase energy. 2. Cardiovascular conditioning. 3. Higher metabolism. 4. Increased brain function. 5. Stress buster. 6. Fluidity of movement.

Dec. 13, 2001

Dec. 13, 2001 - Feel The Excitement Of Christmas In The Air © by Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ Do you feel the excitement in the air? The stores are filled with shoppers trying to find that perfect gift of love. Christmas is a celebration of the birth of Christ celebrated by exchanging gifts. "God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16) We get excited about giving gifts. The Bible says, "It is more blessed to give than to receive." (Acts 10:35) The excitement builds as we decorate our homes, plan our family feast, socialize at Christmas parties and see the excitement on the children's faces as they wait for Santa Claus to visit. Christmas is filled with lights, starting with the Star of Bethlehem. Take time to look at the lights as the anticipation builds for the celebration of Christmas. A Christmas Prayer "Loving Father, help us remember the birth of Jesus, that we may share in the song of the angels, the gladness of the shepherds and the worship of the wise men. "Close the door of hate and open the door of love all over the world. "Let kindness come with every gift and good desires with every greeting. "Deliver us from evil by the blessing which Christ brings, and teach us to be merry with clear hearts. "May the Christmas morning make us happy to be Thy children, and the Christmas evening bring us to our beds with grateful thoughts, forgiving and forgiven, for Jesus' sake. AMEN!" (Robert Louis Stevenson)

Dec. 20, 2001

Dec. 20, 2001 - Books Offer Inspiration In Times Of Grief And Loss © By Shirley W. Mitchell, Golden Years - Fabulous After Fifty™ Life after Sept. 11 gives us renewed knowledge that the "package of life" is marked fragile! This Christmas, through the joy, hope, excitement and expectation, runs a thread of grief. Grief for America and grief for many personal losses. With this truth in mind, I would like to introduce you to two books by Dr. Harold Ivan Smith. The first is called "A Decembered Grief: Living with Loss While Others are Celebrating." "Suffering the loss of a loved one at any time of the year is difficult. And when the grief becomes more intense during the holidays, weeks usually spent celebrating are now marred by frequent awkwardness, unpredictable emotions and conflicting obligations. With keen perception, 'A Decembered Grief' provides illustrations and insights for those facing grief-impacted holidays - while emphasizing God's ability to miraculously transform the season into a time of grace and healing." "This book is an essential handbook for those who must endure holidays with fresh grief. Harold so poignantly provides a wealth of insights to flatten the pain we anticipate at the holidays," said Barbara Johnson, author of "Stick a Geranium in Your Hat and Be Happy." The second book is "Journaling Your Decembered Grief - To Help You Through The Loss." According to Smith in his introduction, "Questions about the holidays and about grief led to 'A Decembered Grief.' The response to the book has now led to this companion journal. These pages will be safe place in which to confront your grief experience or to 'try out' your words to voice your questions. This journal is a place to remember, to recall, to reconstruct. "No one will look over your shoulder to say, 'I don't believe I would write that if I were you.' On these pages no one will become impatient for you to move on, to get over, to get on with your life. No one will glance at a watch, wondering how much longer you will ramble. "This journal is a safe space for you to remember realistically. You may leaf through this book wondering, 'What good will writing do?' Words are a vehicle to give grief a voice. The words of some other grievers that are listed in this book may become a source of wisdom to you. You may underline or highlight words in a selected quote. You may say, 'Well, finally! Somebody understands.' Someone's words may jump-start your own. "Thoughts that have been wandering the corridors of your heart need to be given a permanent home - in writing. Some menacing thoughts and dreams are defanged when laid out in black on white. "I hope this journal will become a companion to you in your journey through grief. I hope you will find moments when you are ambushed by insight, moments when you conclude, 'I've never thought of it quite that way before.'"

Shirley W. Mitchell is the Owner and Founder of Fabulous after Fifty™ - a Motivational, Inspirational and Educational Company located in Northern Alabama providing products and services related to Organizing and Conducting Educational Conferences, Classes, Symposiums, Seminars, Workshops, Speeches and Training Courses in the fields of Aging, Seniors, Senior Lifestyles, Health, Wellness, Nutrition, Generational Women and Men's Issues, Faith, Passion and Purpose, and Distribution of Materials including Multimedia Audio, Video, CD, DVD, Books, Newsletters, Journals, Magazines, Articles, Periodicals, Electronic Books, and other Written and Audio Publications. Ms. Mitchell and Fabulous after Fifty™ are managed and represented by Lighthouse Coastal Productions 466 Sardis Cutoff Road Sardis City, AL 35956. ***Copyright © and Trademark ™ Notice: 1967-2011 All Works, Venues and Content by Shirley W. Mitchell™ including "The Golden Egg of Aging™", "The Fabulous Author™", "Fabulous after 50®", "Fabulous after Fifty™", "Sensational after 60®", "Sensational after Sixty™", "Aging Outside the Box®", "Passionate Sparks™", "Spiritual Sparks for Busy Women™", "Lace Over Steel™", "Ageless Living™", "Endless Energy™", "Better Half of Life™", "Citrus Park™", "Crosstown Info™", "The Amazing System™" and "Aging with Glamour™"are © Copyright and ® Trademark protected*** No part of this Web-Site or Column may be reproduced without the prior written consent of the Agent. If you would like to purchase copies of the articles, please send an E-Mail to us with your request. If you should encounter any problems with this Web-Site please E-Mail the Webmaster.