Every September, without fail, I have a birthday and grow another year older and… I still have dreams—BIG ONES!! I’m still setting goals that some would think impossible to reach. But, I just can’t imagine that He is finished with me yet, or that He ever will be finished with me. If so, why do I still burn with these desires to fulfill all of His purposes for my life. It is not God who says that 50-something is “over-the-hill.” If I’m being honest, I have to say that I haven’t even seen the top of the hill I’m climbing yet. So, I’m certainly not over it.

My appearance may give away the fact that I’m not as young as our youth-worshiping culture believes to be the best years of our lives. But, trust me, this girl is just now hitting her prime!!!!

Though I have not attained “IT” yet, I know enough now to realize that wisdom truly does come with age. Age is a gift that contains sight and understanding, retrospective views which can only be seen from here, and the ability to interpret things much differently. HERE, People, is where I want to be! With all of the messiness and pain from my past mingled with joyful memories that are all mine… Only mine.

I feel grateful even as I struggle to figure out why some things worked out the way they did (or never worked out at all).

I feel hopeful to see dreams I’ve had since childhood come to pass, even as I hear people try to convince me that it’s too late. Trust me when I say, those voices don’t just speak to you.

I feel beautiful because of the love of my Savior, my husband, children, family, and friends, even as I gaze into the mirror and see wrinkles, sags and spots developing on this temporary body in which I live.

I feel ageless… and, truly, I am.

Apparently, I also feel chatty, as I’m sharing my heart here with you all.

Never give up on your dreams, People!!! Never stop setting goals and climbing higher!! Most importantly, trust in Jesus and know without a doubt that as long as you draw breath, He’s got BIG PLANS for you!!!!

“For I know the plans
I have for you,” declares the LORD,
“plans to prosper you and not to harm you,
plans to give you hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

How about you, do you have any thoughts you’d like to share? If so, please leave a comment below and…

Let’s Grow Together!

(PS: Yes, that is me in the picture standing on top of the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland.)