In the providence of God, it’s my turn to write this Friday’s blog post. But it’s not just any Friday for me. It’s my 54th birthday. (Smile)
I really like getting older. The years ahead feel so full of untapped potential. They look ripe with opportunity to love Jesus with my life. I’m not just trying to put a happy face on an awkward reality. I think that the way I view the aging process reveals what I believe about God and His Word.
Everywhere I look, the culture around me is telling me that I should hide my age. I should feel bad about it. I should wish I was younger. I don’t believe this. Our culture fears the loss of beauty, vigor and usefulness. But I don’t belong to this culture. I have a different King. And in His kingdom there is a beauty that never perishes (I Peter 3:4), and there is a strength that He supplies (I Peter 4:11) and renews (Isaiah 40:31), and there is a usefulness that lasts till our final breath….the usefulness of love (I Corinthians 13). No matter how old we are, we can always love. And in our new kingdom loving is more “useful” than just doing. (I Corinthians 13:1-3)
I know that there are challenges that come with aging. I’m not trying to minimize them. But the Lord has not left us without His Word. He has clearly marked out for us the wisdom of His ways. And He has given us the picture of the virtuous woman smiling at the future (Pro. 31:25). I would love to write more about this the next time.
For now…..let’s determine to age joyfully together. Let’s create a new culture among us. I’ll urge you on. You urge me on.
Happy Birthday, Cynthia!! You truly are an example of aging gracefully (trust me though, you don’t look a day over 40!!). I love that you are embracing getting older with joy. I also love that you are in kick-butt shape and running a half marathon next month!
Hope you have a wonderful day.
Sweet, sweet Lori.
Before we know it, I won’t look a day over 80. I can hardly wait!
Cynthia
Happy Birthday Cynthia! You are a wonderful example to me of the Proverbs 31 woman who smiles at the future!
Love you bunches!
Me
I love you, too, Sara! I love your heart for truth. You spur me on. Thanks.
Cynthia
Thank you so much, Cynthia, for those special and encouraging reminders. I don’t remember them often enough. This is Sharon, Greg’s wife’s birthday, also. Bet I’ll remember yours next year!
In Jesus’ Love,
Thanks, Bill! And Happy Birthday to Sharon! That’s fun. It’s Chloe Plank’s birthday, too! We’re all probably about 30 years apart.
Cynthia
Happy Happy Birthday, Cynthia
Enjoy you day! It is really nice outside!
Loved your post.
Looking forward to growing old along with you.
Karla Sensenig
Cynthia,
Happy birthday dear friend. Sorry I missed you when you stopped by with Chloe’s present . . . I had a card to give to you. Chloe says, “Oh wow! Thank you so much!”
Cynthia,
Happy Birthday and many many more like it.Love your post.
Cynthia,
I love you, Friend. And I agree with Lori. You mean you’re older than 40?! You are, in your spirit, somehow ageless. I certainly do look to you as a mentor and value the years you’ve walked ahead of me, but at the same time we can easily relate as if we are the same age. I love that about you! That…and so many other things. Celebrating YOU today! What a great reason to celebrate. <3 You!
Really? It is your birthday?? Well, here’s wishing you a great big celebration of your special day complete with joy in your spirit, peace in your soul and love in your heart.
I know that God gave you these gifts years ago on your spiritual birth-day, and He has remained faithful to give you those gifts to this day. I know because I see them in you. HAPPY BIRTHDAY CYNTHIA!
Love ya’,
Joanne
Oh , and I say amen to your post. I agree and I love that God’s Word speaks to even this.
Cynthia I love how you embrace every season of your life. And not just embrace it but smile at it as you say “yes Lord speak I’m hear listening”. I wonder if you fully know how much you speak into my life and others just by living your life in a God honoring way. You speak volumes to me. This post is especially grace filled and it gives me a feeling of freedom. Thank you for it. Yes, we will grow old together gracefully embracing it. But we won’t take the age thing totally lying down. We have our ways. =) I love you my dear friend.
Happy 54th Birthday! You’re rock’n it! =)
Although I believe that Sovereign God supplies all my needs and I’m complete in Him, I just can’t imagine life without Cynthia Haughery in it. Where, who, what would I be?????????
Happy Birthday! – You have truly made it a WONDERFUL LIFE, for me!
marie
Well said Cynthia I’m with you!!! Thanks for being my friend all these years through thick & thin… Pilgrims going toward the celestial city together… Love you Cheryl
Happy Birthday dearest Cynthia!! Thanks for being my friend all these years, still remember first meeting you in D.C. w/your VW van
Love you so & glad to be walking w/ you toward the Celestial City… & I’m w/you I don’t mind getting older & wiser !
Cheryl
Did Lori really just say that you’re in “kick-butt shape?” =))) is that “allowed” on the church blog?
i’m completely kidding!!!!
I too hope that you had a FABULOUS day full of celebrating!
I appreciate you in so many ways. You are one of the strongest examples in my life of a Godly woman.
I LOVE you so much!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY!