Monday, October 13, 2014

60 IS THE NEW...40??


Well, in my opinion, 60 is still the same old 60.

Emphasis on old.

Sure, there are those who say 60 is the new 40.  (Why are most of them celebrities??  Or plastic surgeons??).  I gotta say, there is a part of me that agrees with that idea.  For instance, I think I'm in much better shape than my parents were when they turned 60.  I think my mindset is younger, too.

But 40???

I admit to standing in front of my mirror and *test-driving* what it would look like if I had a little "work" done.  I tug a little here, and pull a little there.  Not bad.

But here’s what I'm thinking about…

What is so bad about growing older?

Well, for one thing, it's certainly not applauded in a culture that's obsessed with chasing the fountain of youth.  We're often embarrassed to share our real age, we're chagrined to admit we qualify for "senior discounts," and we bemoan the travails that age brings.

Don't get me wrong, I am NOT a fan of arthritis, cellulite, or menopause.

But c'mon – let's admit the truth.

We cannot stop the aging process.

Back a generation or so ago, old age was venerated, not despised.  Older people were sought out for their wisdom.  Now they're often marginalized as irrelevant.

How sad.

And folks, I think it's more than just sad – I think it's unbiblical.

You see, I believe that God sees old age as a gift.  I believe that He bestows long life on some people because He has very specific purposes for those who wear a crown of gray hair (even if it's dyed!).


And what might be those purposes?

I've got some ideas:


1) Passing on wisdom

Now, I'm not going to boast that I'm wiser now that I'm older.  But you know, I just might be.  Experiences (good and bad) have a way of showing us life with a clearer vision.  And sometimes as our physical eyes grow blurry, our inner person is focusing more accurately on the Lord and His ways.  We have an obligation and the privilege of passing on the wisdom that He has given us through the years.


2) Teaching truth

Years of being in church and Bible studies, searching the Scriptures on my own, and learning to listen to the Spirit – all of these things have served to give me a greater insight into and understanding of Truth.  No, I'm not always right (don't tell "The Hub"!!), but, I am well-acquainted with God's Word, and I am privileged to teach others what He's shown me to be true.


3) Testifying to God's faithfulness

Sometimes God's faithfulness can only be seen by looking back over the years.  By remembering.  By reflecting on the ways His hand was at work when we may not have even been aware of it.  It is from this perspective of a long-range view, that we can tell others about God's immutability – His unchanging character, and His unfailing grace.


4) Exhibiting inner beauty  

I'm not gonna lie.  I do not like the effects of aging on my body.  I fight against it.  I've got lots of creams and gels and serums.  Wrinkles still abide happily on my face.  I've tried whitening my teeth.  Results are mixed.  Saggy is the new adjective that's replaced perky and firm.  And my makeup routine? A well-coordinated effort at hiding, disguising, and diminishing spots and flaws.  And DO NOT get me started on tweezing.

But, there is a beauty that is more meaningful to God, for He does not judge on appearances.  God looks on the heart.  And so, I believe that we are called to age gracefully – and full of grace.


5) Praying for others

The power of prayer is never diminished by age.  In fact, some of the most powerful prayer warriors I know are much older than I am.  So, why bemoan our increasing physical immobility if we can travel and cover the world with prayer from our own homes?  As we get older, we can always explore and develop this most awesome aspect of prayer – the effective intercessory prayer.  The enemy would love us to focus on all the things that we can't do as well as we used to.  And that's because he's afraid of what we can accomplish on our knees!


So, God loves His *older* saints.

Yes, He does.

And He is never finished with our work or our purpose or our sanctification until He calls us home.

I figure that every day I wake up, He has something for me to do.  Sure, sometimes I don't know what it is, and sometimes I want a *big* something to do – the lure of big ministry, and big audiences, and big recognition still tugs at me.  But, I cannot allow myself to be sidetracked by that distraction. If I do, then I will forget the *smaller* things He wants me to do.

To pass on wisdom, to teach the truth, to testify to God's faithfulness, to exhibit inner beauty, and to pray for others.

Important tasks, and vital purposes.


60 is the new 40?

Naw.

But it IS the age where God is going to use me now!


Oh Lord, teach me to value myself in the way that You do.  Show me that the image in the mirror will never be as important as the reflection of a heart that longs for You.  Grant me wisdom, and help me to pass it on.  Reveal more of Your truth, and let me teach others about it.  Give me the courage to testify to Your faithfulness and unchanging character.  Help me to focus on the inner beauty of a spirit totally yielded to You.  Equip and enable me to pray for others like a warrior.

And though I'm growing older, I am grateful for every day You give me, until You call me home.

And THAT is going to be the best day ever!






You saw me before I was born.
Every day of my life was recorded in your book.
Every moment was laid out
before a single day had passed.
How precious are your thoughts about me, O God.
They cannot be numbered!
I can’t even count them;
they outnumber the grains of sand! 



"You shall therefore lay up these words of mine in your heart and in your soul...You shall teach them to your children, talking of them when you are sitting in your house, and when you are walking by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise." (Deuteronomy 11:18-19, ESV)

"Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart." (Psalm 51:6, ESV)

"Be careful never to forget what you yourself have seen.  Do not let these memories escape from your mind as long as you live!  And be sure to pass them on to your children and grandchildren." (Deuteronomy 4:9, NLT)

"My life is an example to many, because you have been my strength and protection.  That is why I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long...I will tell everyone about your righteousness.  All day long I will proclaim your saving power...I will praise your mighty deeds, O Sovereign LORD.  I will tell everyone that you alone are just...I will tell about your righteous deeds all day long..." (From Psalm 71, NLT)

"My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long...I will come and proclaim your mighty acts, Sovereign Lord; I will proclaim your righteous deeds, yours alone.  Since my youth, God, you have taught me, and to this day I declare your marvelous deeds.  Even when I am old and gray, do not forsake me, my God, till I declare your power to the next generation, your mighty acts to all who are to come." (From Psalm 71, NLT)

"...in your hearts revere Christ as Lord.  Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have." 
(1 Peter 3:15, NIV)

"I will praise you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all the marvelous things you have done." (Psalm 9:1, NLT)

"O God, you have taught me from my earliest childhood, and I constantly tell others about the wonderful things you do." (Psalm 71:17, NLT)

"She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.  When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness...Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised." (Psalm 31:25-26, 30, NLT)

"Your adornment must not be merely external...but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God." (1 Peter 3:3-4, NASB)

"The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them.  People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." (1 Samuel 16:7, NLT)

"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way.  This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth." 
(1 Timothy 2:1-4, ESV)

"...pray for each other...The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results." (James 5:16, NLT)

"Therefore we do not lose heart.  Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day." (2 Corinthians 4:16, NIV


(NOTE:  My birthday was several months ago, but I am still reflecting - and adjusting - to my first year in this new decade!!)



What do you think are some things that God wants you to do as you grow older?



Linked with:

SHARING HIS BEAUTY, PLAYDATES WITH GOD, UNFORCED RHYTHMS, MONDAY'S MUSINGS, MONDAYS AT SOUL SURVIVAL, SALT & LIGHT, TELL ME A TRUE STORY, SOLI DEO GLORIA, TITUS 2 TUESDAYS, UNITE, TESTIMONY TUESDAY, WHIMSICAL WEDNESDAYS, WINSOME WEDNESDAY, A LITTLE R & R WEDNESDAYS, WHOLEHEARTED WEDNESDAYS, TELL HIS STORY, CAPTURE YOUR JOURNEY, WOMEN HELPING WOMEN, WEDNESDAY'S PRAYER GIRLS, SO MUCH AT HOME, WHAT YOU WISH WEDNESDAY, WORD FILLED WEDNESDAY, COFFEE FOR YOUR HEART, THOUGHT-PROVOKING THURSDAY, THRIVING THURSDAY, EVERYDAY JESUS, HEARTS FOR HOME, GRACE AT HOME, THOUGHTFUL THURSDAYS, FRIENDSHIP FRIDAY, LIGHT FRIDAY HIT LIST, FELLOWSHIP FRIDAYS, FAITH FILLED FRIDAY, ESSENTIAL FRIDAYS, MAKE MY SATURDAY SWEET, THE FRIDAY FIVE, SPIRITUAL SUNDAYS, COUNTING MY BLESSINGS, FAITH & FELLOWSHIP, STILL SATURDAY, SATURDAY SOIREE, WEEKEND BREW, WISE WOMAN, GIVE ME GRACE, SUNDAY STILLNESS



BLOG = "Blessedly Leaning On God!"

57 comments:

  1. Hey...I didn't realize you put me in the category of "celebrity"! Just so you know, when I posted that on my birthday (title: "The way I see it"), it was to make myself feel better :) We are all going to get old one day...no denying that for sure! My parents both lived to be in their 90's and I am SO very thankful that I had them so long! You are right, old age IS a blessing! Have an awesome week, friend!

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  2. I'm looking at birthday #67 and, for the life of me, cannot fathom how swiftly these 66 years have passed. Why ... it seems just last year I was 50; and only 20 years ago that I had my now 45 year old son. It all conspires to teach me that there's value in numbering our days in order to gain a heart of wisdom. As I often tell my children and grandchildren: "The best is yet to come!" ~ As good an encouragement for myself as it is for them. Welcome to world of Senior Discounts!

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  3. I loved this. I have sort of been a dog on a bone for about a year now about the lack of reverence and just good old fashioned respect for age over youth. I will put it out there that I think my generation has done a miserable job of raising our children to have humility in their youth and deference to those of more experience and wisdom. I think the world of social networking has helped in creating a monster. There is SO MUCH we can learn from those of more experienced years, and as this post reminds me, there is so much that I can and should be giving as an older chick myself.

    One thing I would love to see is more pastors speaking this from the pulpit.

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  4. Amen! Thanks Sharon! I can so relate to this one and love the wisdom you share! I love the photo of you two and naw, you don't look wrinkly or even 60. I especially like the "purposes" you enumerated. I will have to ponder about 60 is the new 40 concept and sadly your question also. Because as I grow older, I don't have the tolerance or stamina I once had. I think my passion is still ablaze, but I wear out easier and become upset over too much nowadays like lack of respect, etc. I certainly don't want to pass that stuff on ... yet I do think I will be taking advantage of "resting" and "waiting" more. I know I'll keep praying and I have oodles of people that need prayer and I'm sure that my own trials and tests will surface soon. I am so thankful for Godly wisdom and not having to lean on mine. My way has never been the best way but His is and has. Not quite ready or willing to take the rank of an "older saint" or older in any regards. I do not like the physical changes at all. And my gray crown could use some hair dye but I gave up on doing that at 55 or so. I kinda got use to seeing that salt and pepper look until it became more and more one color or lack of color. The sags and wrinkles and chicken wings ... yuck ... not thinking that exercise will help any of this. Yet I will have to accept this 60 as 60 ... and perhaps some day, I will wish I was 60 again. Thanks for the prayer and the illuminating thoughts and ideas. You still inspire me! The twinkle in both of your eyes (you and hubby) speak love and not aging at all. May God give you long life and love to last a lifetime! Giving thanks with the Canadians today and for our husbands in the prayer challenge!

    Happy Day of Thanks to all the Canadian sisters in Christ! I'm thankful for you, no matter what age! God bless us all and help us with whatever may be His purpose!

    Love and hugs 60s sister,
    Peggy

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  5. OK, did you know that I didn't see that picture when I first came here? It wasn't until I went back to my dashboard a few minutes ago and was scrolling down it that I saw it in the thumbnail. (I just have you on "speed dial" and don't go through the dashboard.)

    I LOVE that, and I do believe you are one good looking couple of geezers. I would so love to have your smile, Sharon. I wonder if you know how beautiful it is?

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  6. Having been chronically ill for 27 years, homebound for 10.......and one healed and healing.....I have gotten younger! Well, not in numbers, but my body is no longer 90. This freedom makes 66 seem darn right young! Every day is a gift! Every wrinkle is mine......every year holding memories and moments with God. Don't need a face lift, just need to keep my eyes on His face..........great post Sharon.

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  7. I didn't see the picture of you and hubby before either...you are just adorable (he's not too bad either)...and I would have never dreamed you were 60...you look pretty 40ish to me! :)

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  8. good one! I am heading toward a new decade next year and I want to rejoice in my aging! Thanks for this biblical perspective! Visiting from SDG!

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  9. Thank you, thank you for this. I am turning 67 next week and feel mighty OLD! BUT, I do not want to return to any other age. I am content where I am even though I do not like all that is going on in this tent of mine. But God made me and knows me and will hold me throughout. My Mama lived to be 98, almost 99, and I, too, am grateful I had her all those years. But it was not always a piece of cake!
    God cares and walks with us through these days.
    Caring through Christ, ~ linda

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  10. I was reviewing Psalm 71 just an hour ago! And now I read this from you. God wants me to make better peace with my 'old age.' :) Thanks, Sharon.

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  11. Love your picture and smille, Sharon! So true about the benefits of being older, we can give people wisdom, we can mentor young moms, moms with teens, etc. I know Billy Graham says he can't do much these days at his age, but he can pray and as you know, prayer is sometimes the best thing to do! I don't mind getting older, I just wish my body would be just a little bit more spry than it is :)

    betty

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  12. You are beautiful!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! No matter what age you are - you are always looking up!!! I love yah!

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  13. I'm glad you included a pic of you at 60. You're adorable and in great shape - look 40 for sure! I would like to be in that big audience when you are ministering for the Lord. Make sure you invite me.

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  14. I think God has me writing at this age because when I was younger I didn't have the time or experience to write. He has blessed me in so many ways; my hope is that by writing about the blessings others can see God at work. I certainly see Him at work in you, Sharon! Thanks for sharing your heart.

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  15. 60 looks divine on you, both inside and out. I don't like everything about growing older, but I'm certainly the wiser for it. God is growing me in ways I couldn't have grown in my 20's. I'm 48, and I am grateful for each year I'm given. I rather enjoy these years of stretching and strengthening. Blessings, sister.

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  16. What a hubba hubba 60 year old you are!! :)

    Your list speaks my heart Sharon, my prayer is the same for my own life.

    Once more, your words hit home for me.

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  17. Well, you look fabulous, Sharon, and that's the truth. I'm not far behind you, girlfriend, and I have to admit, I'm not a big fan of the changes that aging is bringing, at least not the outward changes.

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  18. You still look lovely! I'm going to share your great post with my friends. So much truth and encouragement!

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  19. How utterly beautiful and priceless these words are, Sharon. You remind me of my mom, who is in her early sixties - so lovely and youthful in her growing older - and I know she would be so encouraged by your words, your story. This is truth we don't here enough of. Thank you.

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  20. These round number birthdays are hard! I turned 40 this year and had to do some similar processing. I love your view that age brings us wisdom and brings us to a point where we're better equipped to share and model our faith. While I'd love the opportunity to "re-do" my younger years and make different decisions, I don't really want to be so young and silly again. I've decided to embrace these years and make the most of each decade left before me. I bet your 60s may be some of your best years yet! I certainly hope my 40s are!

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  21. Hello, Sharon. I'm visiting you from Testimony Tuesday. Your title caught my eye because I just turned 50, and believe me, I'm thinking about these things myself. I like the reminders of 5 purposes we can find in aging! Good work!

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  22. Love your take on aging, Sharon. Thanks for encouraging us to be useful in the Kingdom wherever we are and whatever our age is. God has something for us to do until He brings us home! Appreciate you linking up to Testimony Tuesday!

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  23. I just love this. I am so with you on what you shared about aging. I think there is so much wisdom for us to gain from those older than we may be. And I love that picture of you!! You are beautiful friend, inside and out. Much love. xoxo

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  24. Oh Sharon, that is an ADORABLE photo of you! (love the earrings btw). You are a testament to the vigor and vitality of living the 60's in style.
    I really liked all the special blessings of age. Especially the praying for others. I have a friend who is almost 70, and she is a Prayer Warrior if there ever was one. She wants to pray for your needs, and you know if she says she will, she will.

    The wisdom is something that is ignored more and more these days. I'm sure I listened to my parents advice with only one ear. It was only when I get older myself that I truly appreciated their words. I suppose it will be the same with my own children.
    Keep telling us your truth in wisdom my friend. It's good to share what we know!
    Blessings,
    Ceil
    PS Happy belated birthday! LOL!

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  25. Sharon, I didn't know you when you were younger, but I do know you are FULL OF WISDOM. I am always grateful when you're an "odd" number on the link-up because it means I get to come sit at your feet. I'm 36 and I am sometimes surprised when I look in the mirror and see wrinkles. Inside, I still feel 27!

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  26. I hope you enjoyed a wonderful birthday Sharon. When I think about the alternative to getting older, I'll gladly take what comes along with age.

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  27. I wished you could hear my shouting from my roof top all the way from TEXAS on this one!! Amen, Amen..Amen!!! I want to embrace my age, which I have posted on before also. I do think it isn't Biblical. I also think our society is just missing out on so much because of looking down on the older generation. When you hear from the pulpit "we won't hire anyone under 35 because they aren't tech savy" well that just makes us feel we are suppose to be put out to pasture. That isn't what God did with those past age 35! and praise God He doesn't do that today either.
    My hubby is 60 and I am 53, and it isn't 40...there are just aches that come, but also wisdom.
    Thanks for this post. I think I want copy it and put it on my mirror!!!
    Hugs!

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  28. i'm with you sharon. i definitely don't feel as good in my 60's as i did in my 40's...especially if i sit too long! i totally agree with your other observations re becoming 60. i think i'm about 8 yrs. ahead of you girl:) i'll let you know about the 79's when i get there:)

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  29. Our youngest daughter will turn 60 in January, and you can guess that our other two children have already attained that grand age with grace. (almost gracefully). Each decade there seems to be changes in our bodies that cause us to be classified in the elderly spot. However I am reminded that Caleb was 80 years old when he cried, "Give me this mountain," and he went forth to conquer. Yes, there is always something we can do for our Lord. I always enjoy your entries - - Thank you for sharing your inspiring post with us here at “Tell Me a Story."

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  30. Sharon, I chuckled several times as I read through your post. One has to embrace aging for it comes to all. To fight it too hard makes us discontented women and unteachable. It thrilled my heart that there were some 20 and 30 year olds at the retreat I spoke at. Several of them came to me and wanted to listen to what I thought about this and that in their lives. There are some young ones out there needed us "older" ones who really are filled with wisdom and faith that is usually unshakeable. I keep asking God to expand my faith and He keeps sending me some young ones to disciple. I know by reading your post my sister you are a wise courageous woman and I am going to pray for a young one for you to come along side of. Thats when our faith grows,when we give it out. Great post...and by the way my sister, thank you for your prayers, I really did feel the prayers of the saints as I stood before a group of 27 women. Thanks you.

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  31. Girl, Your looking smarter and cuter and more real then so many women would ever even hope to achieve. And it's all been done in grace and it shows!
    Sixty is a great age! Yours, Roxy
    This was really good! If the world would only see the real truth, as this is a matter of the heart. You will always be young, because you live and love!

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  32. Wow! If turning 60 takes off 20 years I am excited for when I get there. :) This post is so true. The older we get the more wisdom we have in growing deep with the Lord. Praise God we are never too old to be used of God. Blessings Sharon!

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  33. I loved this and the beauty I see shining through your picture! I have found that I am more comfortable in who I am since I am in my 50s and your ideas as to how we can share wisdom, pray for others, etc., are so important. God does have a plan for us everyday and as I move into retirement, I will hold that close and know that another day is one more to for God to use me as He has planned.

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  34. This is such a good post... what a blessing to live in a time when people CAN grow older and not just die extremely young. It is a shame that age... and wisdom... are not treasured because God sure does. Thank you for writing this and for sharing it. :)

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  35. Awesome post, Sharon! Glad we didn't go down the tweezing bunny trail, and you stuck to the point. Great points, by the way - and encouraging in our youth obsessed world. Oh! How I want to be used of the Lord to share His deposit in me with our younger women. I am often grieved to see so many of our young gals seeking out their peers, relegating the mid-lifers to the sidelines. Praying for more opportunities to flash my gray hair with joy. Nope - not dying it anymore. Embracing the truth and making the best of it.
    Joy!
    Kathy

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  36. Great post! As I am in my last year of the 40's, some days I think the REAL truth is that "40 is the new 60"! My body is fighting against me, the kids are half home and half not {we have 4 and two have moved on into their own life :) }, I have more gray hair each day and my bones ache from medically inflicted menopause...heehee!
    In all seriousness though, I think the Lord wants me to EMBRACE my age and not fight against it! He wants me to not fear for the future, not fear a few lines and wrinkles, and understand the hubby loves me....cellulite and all!
    Thanks for the reminder that age is nothing to fear!

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  37. Hi Sharon, Encouraging post, having just had a birthday on 13th Oct and being 60 and plus some - God Bless - keep shining for Him

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  38. Wow. We really are on the same page! So much wisdom in your words and life; words appointed by God with the time He's used to bring you to this point. Preach it, sister!

    True beauty can't be found in a mirror…

    For the record, you might be wrong, you are the new forty… cause you don't even look that old! Wow… you got some good genetics, girl! God has blessed you and your husband.

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  39. I can hardly wait til i reach 60 (here from the Essential Fridays linkup... :D )

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  40. Gosh, you don't *look* 60! AMEN to all that you said. I couldn't agree with you more. Each paragraph I read, I was nodding my head and saying, "Yup." I've been reflection lately while I reflect in the morning in my mirror and the other day I caught myself picking everything apart. Today, my thought was, "Well, I've been with myself for 54 years now, and this is what I've got. It ain't gonna change. I'm stuck with it. And it's really not bad. It's pretty good.

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  41. You are so beautiful, dear friend...both inside AND out. You are a rare and precious gift to this world, and I could never praise Him enough for allowing our paths to intersect. The wisdom you share here is so profound and edifying. You have SO much to offer and give, and God is using you mightily. Those things that you may feel are small are actually much bigger than you may realize. You are doing exactly what God needs...right here, right now. While our youth-obsessed world may frown on the number 60, the years behind you only serve to make you more beautiful and to enhance your capacity to minister more effectively. I am SO very thankful for you and the precious gift of your friendship and to be able to share this journey with you. God bless you with many, many more years!!!

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  42. Sweet, sweet Sharon... How do you do it? You share such powerful truth with such candor and sincerity. I absolutely ADORE you.

    You are the bomb-dot-com... and yes, this is coming from a young whipper snapper who hopes to be only half as beautiful, cool and Godly as you when she turns 60 :-) Love you, lady.

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  43. Dear Sharon~What a beautiful photo of you! I love it! And I love the wisdom and knowledge that God has given you as you have pursued Him. That wisdom and knowledge is not just dropped in our lap but comes from a diligent seeking of God and digging into His word. You have done that, Sharon, and it glows on you.

    We are blessed to be recipients of that wisdom. Thank you for faithfully sharing what God is teaching you. I need to dig deeper and more fervently so that my old age may blossom and bear fruit for Him.

    Loved all the reasons you gave for why growing older is a gift from God. But I've got to admit that I do like thinking 60 is the new 40--until I try to do some of the things I did when I was younger and fall apart (lol). We do think younger than our parents did but I have to agree with someone else's statement that said we did a terrible job of raising our children to respect those who are older. There's little respect at all in this generation.

    Looking forward to how God plans to work in me and through me now and in however many years He gives me. I'm older than you, you know. I'm getting mighty close to the next decade! Yikes!

    Loved your article and will share with others the wisdom God has given you.

    Love you my friend,
    Janis

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  44. You do NOT look like you're 60! You look amazing! I do believe it's your inner beauty that shines through. Love this post. You are always so encouraging!

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  45. You're beautiful Sharon. And reading this post reminds me of a 93 year old woman who's been the mayor of the city next to ours for 15 years. People love her. She is a woman with a vision for life. Love that. And a couple of years ago we went to Amsterdam and visited Corrie Ten Boom's house. She was 58 when released from the camp and tramped for God until at 93 she got a stroke. And even then she wrote to encourage others with her wisdom. Wow. Love your post. Can't wait to hear the new adventures you're going on. Hugs.

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  46. Yeah!! 60 is the new 40!! You look AMAZINGLY pretty!! You tell me how 60 feels and prepare me, LOL!! I loved your wisdom (yes, you do have it) and it is a blessing to be getting older. I think we are so affected by our culture because we do have to adjust our thinking in order to accept this growing older thing. :-) Wonderful post!!

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  47. This made me smile. My mom turns 60 next week. I'll have to send it off to her.

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  48. Amazing. We had family pictures taken today, and at 43, I was looking in the mirror as I got ready, pulling stuff back, wishing I had a paper clip for my neck. I love what you wrote. Thanks.

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  49. We were just having a conversation about this in the car last night. Our daughter, my husband and me. Why can't we grow old gracefully? The competition out there makes it hard in my opinion. I know for a fact that my husband will not see me the same way he sees a woman my age who has had work done to her face! My father is 91 and it wasn't until about six years ago that I realized how vein he is and how he looks at woman. Lauren Bacall who aged gracefully was very wrinkled and he when she died he said "Boy did she let herself go!" Really!!!! Yet he didn't say a thing about someone like Joan Rivers when she passed away.....

    I know that we are more active, eat better and live differently than our parents did in their 60's but I don't think it's the new 40!

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  50. Powerful words on the the beauty of aging!

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  51. GREAT post! Thanks for sharing with What You Wish Wednesday!!!

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  52. Congratulations! This post was featured this week as one of the top read posts from last week's link up!
    Come link up some more!
    God bless.
    somuchathome.blogspot.com

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  53. You are so precious, and totally beautiful, in everyway.

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  54. A wonderful post! I'm just a few years behind you, and I appreciate the encouragement to grow into the beautiful woman God wants me to be! :)

    Thanks so much for sharing this at Grace at Home. I'm featuring you this week!

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  55. I'm three ahead of you just last Monday, lol...and let me tell you, I used to worry so much when I was 30-40 until I hit 50 and just loved it! It has been a liberating sort of situation to be older and it has happened to me almost everything you mention here! I live by our Lord, pray often for others, I'm 'wiser' from experience, although some young people don't want to see it when they're about to make mistakes and you worn them, but hey, they have to make they're own good and bad experiences as well, even though you'd like to save them, hehehe...
    God wants me to be this woman, which I am very happy with and comfortable in my own skin. Very real and just right for our times, it's a wonderful post you've shared with us 'oldies, but goodies.' Thank you for sharing, I loved it.
    I just came from Grace at Home where you are featured.
    FABBY

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  56. Just found you and I have to say awesome post! I believe you are so right about age. We do need to honor our elders. And age is just a number, look at Caleb! What a beautiful site you have!

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"So [I] have been greatly encouraged in the midst of [my] troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. It gives [me] new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord. How [I] thank God for you!" (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

Thanks for your comments - it is such a joy to be sharing my journey with friends like YOU!

(NOTE: Anonymous comments will be removed. Thank you for understanding.)