As I was approaching fifty years old I sought the wisdom of my elders. I sought out men and women older than I was to learn lessons on life that they had been learning.

Yesterday I began a series entitled A Treasure Chest Of Wisdom – Don’t Hold Grudges. 

The first lesson the wise would teach us is Don’t Hold Grudges

The second lesson I was taught and it was repeated several times by my wise mentors was “take care of your health.”

Take Care Of Your Health

As I was approaching fifty years old I sought the wisdom of my elders.  I sought out men and women older than I was to learn lessons on life that they had been learning.

I would ask: 

I know that you have spent your career with men and women older than yourself.
In that time you have listened and learned as they’ve talked about their lives and their values. You have gathered insights and wisdom from their successes and their failures.

This year I’m turning 50 and I’m starting to feel middle-aged.
I don’t know how old you are, but I know you’ve learned from those older than us.

He’s so hot! 

She’s so hot!

I would do anything to keep him.

I would do anything to get her.

She doesn’t know what she’s getting into.

He doesn’t know what he’s tearing down.

Ladies – Stop settling. He wants what u have more than u want what he’s offering. Hold back. When he steps back & he will, STEP AWAY #wise

Guys – When you find out she’s got her V-card (virgin), she’s not a condom to use & toss. Listen 2 ur conscience! #choosewisely #notuse

Hold Onto Your Conscience

I turned 50 today.

Before this year I never though much about fifty. 

As I look back, look within, and look forward I feel grateful.

– Grateful for all those who carried me in the past

– Grateful for all those who support me, encourage me and follow my example.

– Grateful for all the great role models who travel ahead of me.

God reminds us, “In the same way, younger people should be willing to be under older people. And all of you should be very humble with each other. ‘God is against the proud, but he gives grace to the humble.’ ” [1 Peter 5:5, NCV]

Christians: Unite To Pray

Let’s not let partisan politics separate us from one another and from God.

Let’s pray, and…

When we pray let’s remember that real power in this world — the power to save, to transform, to change — ultimately rests not in political parties or presidents or protests but in the life, the death, and the resurrection of Jesus.

When we pray let’s remember that, through the Holy Spirit, this power dwells within otherwise ordinary people who continue the mission of Jesus: preaching good news to the poor, freeing the captives, giving sight to the blind, releasing the oppressed, and proclaiming the year of the Lord’s favor (Luke 4:16-21).

I’m turning 50 this week.

I’m not yet fifty — it’s just six days away — but I thought I’d lead you through my journey, and maybe you’ll learn a thing or two that will help you on your journey.

Intelligence

I want you to believe I’m smart.

I know it sounds so shallow, but it’s true.

I’ve never cared much about how my reputation is affected by opinions about my clothing, vehicles or income.

On the other hand, I hope you think I’m smart.

It’s good discipline to be a lifelong learner.

I drove to see my parents this week.  While visiting them I attended a bible study that my father attends.  Among the participants were four retired pastors and several other grandfatherly men. 

Five things were clear as I spent the morning reading, listening, talking and eating with these men:

- They are men with the same feelings as the young men I’ve worked with, just different life experiences.

- They felt safe and were willing to share their knowledge, wisdom, pains and sorrows. 

- You would never know who the three pastors were.  There was not one trace of “I know more than you do.”

I’m thinking through what this means for me today, tomorrow, and my tomorrows.

What does the Lord your God require of you?
He requires only that you
fear the Lord your God,
and live in a way that pleases him,
and love him
and serve him with all your heart and soul.
- Deuteronomy 10:12, NLT

I love thunderstorms.  Wait, let me clarify, I love non-threatening thunderstorms.  So much so, that right now it’s absolutely pouring outside and I’m all excited.

So, that makes my decision easier.  Today is my daughter Shannon’s birthday.  There are many things I can tell you about her, but with this wonderful storm in my eyes, I can barely focus.

I’m going to re-post what I wrote last year on her birthday.  I think it will bless new readers and old readers alike. 

Oh, and thank you Steve Towler for this great picture that you took of Shannon and I at Nate & Manna’s wedding recently!

25,000 Mornings: Ancient Wisdom for a Modern Life by Fay Rowe

In her preface author Fay Rowe explains that, “A few years ago, a television ad for the state of Michigan said we have 25,000 mornings, give or take a few. Michigan has given us 68.49 years.”

“I’ve lived a considerable number of mornings already, and I’ve learned a few things about life. One of the most important things I’ve learned about life is this: We need God in it.