Keeping Young

Not only is gardening fun
when outside under the warm sun,
gardening will help keep one young
for every year one looks forward to
springtime and its colorful view.
I do. Do you too find that's true?

The gardener might plant bulbs in the fall
then look forward to spring, for spring is when all
the colors of the rainbow blossom for all
the snowdrops, crocus', daffodils, tulips,
alliums, jonquils, narcissus,
bluebells, grape and fragrant hyacinths,

await to spring forth when finally the spring
rains begin to ping and birds are heard singing
to waken the flower bulbs and bring
much joyous mirth
to all the earth
with each new birth.

Who isn't happy to see the rainbow
of spring bulbs and flowers - one's face glows
and there's a happy song, you know,
in gardener's hearts when they see
spring return in all its glory.
Gardeners showcase a youthful glee.

Yes, looking forward to springtime keeps one young.
Days spent out under the sun having fun
for the gardener's work is never done.
Fun returns everyday with songs to be sung.
Songs of joyful thanksgiving under the sun.
Those with joy in their hearts are forever young.

- - - - -

How to keep young?
One way is fun.
Another is joy -
smile, laugh, enjoy.

Plan something fun for yourself,
even if all by yourself.
Enjoy your time alone
rather away or at home.

Smile for no reason.
You'll feel young and it's fun.
Don't you feel better?
And even healthier.

Have you had your Vitamin L today?
Vitamin L chases the blues away.
Vitamin L is laughter.
It's free to all, remember.

Find someone to laugh with for laughter
eases the pain when you suffer.
Anxiety and pain will abate
when there's daily laughter on your face.

If you spend too much time alone
being with others will help one
forget about their aches and pains.
Friends benefit much - to our gain.

Being worry-free will keep one young
for worry keeps one from having fun.
Fun is depleted and robbed
when worry becomes our job.

Find something you enjoy
then live a life of joy
for joy will abound
when happiness resounds.

* * * * *

There's a deeper joy than doing.
It's a joy found in knowing
the One who created us.
Knowing God is a must.

Quite often life beats us down.
We end up wearing a frown.
Outward joy is gone.
Absent every dawn.

But when you know God,
life isn't as hard
for you believe his promises.
Here's a few of God's promises:

1.  We shouldn't ever fear
for God is always near.
He will never leave you
and will guard you through
whatever your situation
when you give him permission.
Just ask in prayer.
God will be there.

2. We shouldn't be overwhelmed
with whatever comes around
for God is still in control
when life seems out of control.
God is still on the throne
in heaven his home.
He desires to be Lord of your life
to give you peace when life brings about strife.

3. God will give you daily strength
to last each day at length.
We can be strong in the strength of the Lord
when life gives more than we can endure
for God's grace is sufficient,
made perfect in weakness.
Just ask for God's power
right now, this hour.

4. Envision God's arms around you,
embracing you, sustaining you,
helping you, upholding you
whatever you're going through.
Doing what is fair, just and right
for in you God does delight.
Never forget, you are loved
with an everlasting love.

Everlasting joy is found in knowing
the Lord God who gives blessings unending.

The joy of the Lord is your strength.
Nehemiah 8:10

Do not fear, for I am with you;
do not be dismayed, for I am your God.
I will strengthen you and help you;
I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10

I am the Lord, your God,
who takes hold of your right hand
and says to  you, Do not fear;
I will help you.
Isaiah 41:13

...they will enter Zion with singing;
everlasting joy will crown their heads.
Gladness and joy will overtake them,
and sorrow and sighing will flee away.
Isaiah 35:10

My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness.
II Corinthians 12:9