Anyone who knows me and has been following this blog for awhile knows that I’ve had just a few internal struggles over growing older. Indeed, turning 60 in November was a bit of a shock to my system! No other entry into a new decade brought with it the same feelings that this birthday did. 
Looking back, I think that my feelings of being old were intensified by the cross country move at the end of 2014, when I left everything behind that I’d ever known, coupled with the end of the ministry my hubby and I were involved in that (though extremely difficult) gave me such great purpose. Other than writing, I’ve yet to find what my purpose is here in SC. In addition to that I’ve also had some changes in health (less than perfect labs for the first time in my life), new aches and pains, weight gain, more body fat, less muscle, etc. Nothing serious and all things I can and AM changing with diet and a new fitness routine.
Hooray for New Year’s resolutions!
As I’ve seen the changes taking place in my body and on my FACE, I’ve tried to bravely stand against the temptation to nip, tuck, cut, and lift (don’t worry, I’m not going there), but I really don’t enjoy seeing my mom’s face superimposed upon my own. Nothing against my mom, but she was OLD!
Well, leave it to God to call me on my negative self talk! Standing in the shower the other day (the place where all of my greatest thoughts seem to manifest), I was thinking, once again, about this age thing. This is what I heard,
“Patti, you are only 60 years old. You could very well live into your 90’s! Do you want to spend the next 30 years complaining about being old?”
The answer of course was a great BIG, “NO!“
Funny how life changes can cause the enemy of our souls to go on the attack in an attempt to take us captive in our thoughts, whispering words intended to take us out, to thwart God’s plan for our lives, to cut through the very foundation upon which we stand, and cause us to tumble to the ground in a great big heap of self pity.
Not. Happening. Here. There is nothing in the Bible that talks about retirement from doing the work of the Lord! In fact, in the Psalms King David’s prayer is to be allowed to continue to tell of God’s greatness well on into old age, even speaking of God’s wonders to those yet to be born!
“Do not set me aside when I am old; do not abandon me when I am worn out . . . I will keep hope alive, and my praise to You will grow exponentially. I will bear witness to Your merciful acts; throughout the day I will speak of all the ways You deliver . . . I will come with stories of Your great acts, my Lord, the Eternal. I will remind them of Your justice, only Yours. You have taught me since I was young, O God, and I still proclaim the wonderful things You have done. Now as I grow old and my hair turns gray, I ask that You not abandon me, O God. Allow me to share with the generation to come about Your power; Let me speak about Your strength and wonders to all those yet to be born. God, Your justice stretches to the heavens, You who have done mighty things! Who is like You, O God?” Psalm 70: 9, 14-19 (The Voice)
Pastor Jack Hayford says this about age, “God calls us to capture His possibilities for each season of our lives. Reject the world’s thinking about your age. With age comes increase, significance and substance . . . With change, some people’s worlds come apart and they begin to lose their sense of value and self-worth. But with each season of our lives, God desires to sharpen our focus if we will answer His call to turn to whatever it is He is doing right now.” The link to Pastor Jack’s full article is HERE.
As you see the pictures I’ve taken of my home adorned for winter notice beauty and light. See how the light SHINES (my word for 2016 by the way)! There is no darkness and decay here, but only a temporary stillness before new things break forth with the freshness of Spring!
I am refreshed and renewed by God’s Word daily. My light SHINES as I choose to laugh (snicker, giggle, snicker, snort, and whoop!) when looking toward the future. How about you? Will you join me?
Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she laughs at the time to come. Proverbs 31/25 (ESV) Click To Tweet
Blessings,
TheDIYShowoff, LifeOnLakeshoreDrive, NiftyThriftyThings, SilverPenniesSundays, SundaysAtHome, RusticAndRefined, Spiritual Sundays, Sunday Stillness
VMG206, TuesdaysAtOurHome,
Julie says
January 6, 2016 at 11:33 amWonderful sentiments. Don’t we all have those special days where we don’t like what we see? To be over those thoughts quickly and resume a positive and peaceful attitude will help you stay happy and healthy. I am 45 and experiencing my first bout of tennis elbow. The nerve of my body to do that to me! I am taught to be a resource for younger ones finding their way to and through adulthood. I’m encouraged to befriend those that are younger, stepping out of my comfort zone. What a joy to be able to spend time with a group of young ladies, making them feel a valuable part of the congregation. In return, us “old” fogeys are made to feel valuable by them.
Sharon H says
January 6, 2016 at 12:02 pmOh my gosh! I love today’s post, Patti!!
First of all, you are hilarious….even when you probably don’t intend to be 😉 and I wanted to share something on your comment about retiring from doing the Lord’s work….
In the book of Revelation, John describes how the 24 Elders fell down to worship the Lamb every time the 4 Living Creatures gave Glory and Honor and Thanks to the Lamb. And as the thousands upon thousands upon tens of thousands of angels encircled the throne and the Living Creatures and those Elders, they also sang about the Worthiness of the Lamb.
But then, John says he heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing….and when the 4 Living creatures said, “Amen”…the Elders fell down and worshipped. And it was constant. Never ending praise and worship of the Lamb. Wow, not only a glorious sight and sound, but I think that means that we don’t get to sit back on our laurels and sit in our rockers gazing at the sunrise over the ocean…..LOL
Not only is there no rest for the wicked…..but I’m beginning to see the Righteous also have their work cut out for them!
It’s just a good thing we will receive new bodies, because this old, worn out one of mine could never stand up to all that! I really do thank Him for all He has done for me, and continues to do for ME, the true UNWORTHY one. He is worthy, He is worthy, He is worthy!
Blessings to you and Mr OTN during this upcoming year….keep up the good work my friend.
Trisha says
January 6, 2016 at 1:01 pmYou are only in the Autumn of your life! Great post.
Peggy says
January 6, 2016 at 5:44 pmI would say “God has a plan for you”. And you have such a beautiful ministry of encouragement here at your blog for now. I love the snow globe cloche with the lights.
I’m a 60 something and have had to be in the hospital due to a crazy allergic reaction already in 2016. Your words are refreshment to my soul. And words are so important!
Cheryl Licht says
January 6, 2016 at 6:01 pmVery sweet. I am amazed at the similarities between this post and the one I have going out tomorrow. God must be saying something. Blessings! Cheryl
Rose says
January 7, 2016 at 8:50 amHi Patti~
The thing about turning 60 is that it is the new 40~
I am 63 and I am not feeling 63 – I do sometimes when I get up in the morning, but I sit with a neck buddy (things you put into the microwave) and one for my back. Then I do my stretching.
Now I am 40 again hahaha
You have so much to be thankful for – your home is so beautiful, what if you couldn’t do this.
You write so eloquently, and you are such a pretty woman. Don’t worry about getting older, be happy that you are getting older.
When I turned 60 it was OK for me until I saw it on paper. I went to the Dr’s for something and saw that number. That did get to me, but it’s only a number.
Have a great day
Much love,
Rose
Cindy says
January 7, 2016 at 6:05 pmOh Patti! How I echo your words! Ha! yikes! Getting ready to turn 60 soon too!!!! Omg! What happened I ask myself! As I too look at the changes in my body and the wrinkles on my face! Uuuuuugh! I guess this is the pathway on our faces and body’s telling the stories of our lives and experiences! I ask God everyday to bless me and my family and friends and to keep us safe and healthy!!! Let’s ALL enjoy each precious moment we are given!! Even when were cleaning toilets! Ha,!! I feel like. NOW ! Is our time to. SHINE Girlfriend!!! Go for the gusto and DO take chances and try new things! I am living life to the fullest! I wish I was wise enough in my 20 Ty’s and 30 Ty’s wish I had known this! How time speeds by! Take care,Cindy
Eilis says
January 7, 2016 at 8:35 pmLove all your thoughts on aging. Sometimes I dwell on my “turkey neck” and then I realize how lucky I am in everything that is important…
I am also enjoying your vignettes. I have many of the items you used (cloche, snowy building, tree, mini lights) but haven’t put them together the ways you have. I love finding inspiration that doesn’t cost me anything 🙂
Eilis@MyHeartLivesHere
Michele Morin says
January 9, 2016 at 7:20 pmI love seeing how you’ve adorned your home for winter, but even more, how you’re preparing your heart for the season to come. Sounds a lot like the Proverbs 31 woman to me! No reason to fear!
Blessings to you, Patti!
Barbie says
January 9, 2016 at 11:33 pmThis year I will turn 50 and I am starting to fret. I need to make a lot of changes if I am going to improve upon my physical self. Thank you for sharing at Weekend Whispers.
Joanne Viola says
January 10, 2016 at 6:01 amPatti, you shared with a beautiful transparency. It is funny how particular birthdays bring this struggle to a head. Thank you for reminding me that every season has its own unique beauty & purpose. And yours shines through even in the “winter”. May you have a blessed Sunday!
Pat says
January 11, 2016 at 6:57 pmPatti,
I l o v e your new rendition of “Get thee behind me Satan” in the shower, dear friend!!!
The SHINE of the silver pine cones on the white tureen had me swooning!!!
I have written the Psalm 70:9, 14~19 down for a deeper reading in my daily devotional time!!!
Has you heard Barbara Mandrell’s song, SHINE Through Me???
Fondly,
Pat
Kathy says
January 12, 2016 at 11:32 pmOh this is perfect for me! Here I am just behind you Patti, 58 this year..all those shockers of the body changing. Dear me, it only get’s worse! But your words of God’s hope helps us age gracefully, with so much to do! We can learn from the women who walked before us..they got through the shock of aging and lived Godly lives! I just love this post and your website is so beautiful along with these gorgeous photos! Visiting from #TestimonyTuesday tonight!
Barbara H. says
January 13, 2016 at 11:58 amI’m visiting from the Wise Woman link-up. I could identify with much of this as I am facing 60 in 2 years. I love that perspective of not wasting the next 30 years complaining about being old and using whatever time God gives us for His glory. I just published a post titled, “I’m an older woman…now what?” contemplated how to go about being a “Titus 2 woman.”
Susan Shipe says
January 13, 2016 at 12:54 pmI had the same epiphany at 65…in October – it wasn’t pleasant but God, in His grace, is walking me out of the blue and into the LIGHT!!!!
Lois Flowers says
January 13, 2016 at 2:22 pmPatti, this is so refreshing and encouraging. I have some friends who are in their 60s, and if I reach that age with even half of their wisdom, love and zest for life, I will be doing well, I think! Many blessings to you in your journey to discover God’s purpose for you during this season of your life! I’m glad to be your neighbor today at Coffee for Your Heart. 🙂
Megs says
January 14, 2016 at 7:19 amGood Morning #livefreeThursday neighbor! I love how God has swung aging around in a positive light for you, so reflective of your beautiful home this winter season! Notes of wisdom that I will tuck into my life. Beautiful post. Beautiful blog.
Happy Thursday!
Megs
Lisa notes says
January 14, 2016 at 12:41 pmThis is good for me to read. Turning 50 had that effect on me. Never before had a number bothered me, but when I turned 50, it just sounded so old. I’m now 53 and I’m still getting used to it. ha. But I definitely don’t want to complain about being old for the next 30 years! So thanks for the reminder to NOT do that and instead to embrace the age and times where God has us. Beautiful post.
Tamara says
January 15, 2016 at 6:14 pmHi Patti,
I’m new to your blog.. What a delight it is! I was so blessed by your post.. I can relate to the getting older part. I worked in the sun a lot without protection and now my poor skin is showing the effects! I saw your picture. You are gorgeous! Your images are very inspiring and you’re so creative. I hope that you find your niche in your new home soon. It’s so lovely and encouraging to read all the scripture and your fun and uplifting quotes. I DEFINITELY want to check out your Fab Over 50 Pinterest board.. 🙂 Many blessings to you. Thank you for such a warm and inviting place to visit.
Tamara <3
Shelley @ Calypso in the Country says
January 16, 2016 at 8:27 amThanks for sharing with us. I love that cloche with the lights! So pretty! I understand how you are feeling as I am now at the end of my 40s. I think we all struggle with similar thoughts as we get older. You have expressed yourself so beautifully and I must say – you do not look 60! Enjoy your weekend. Stopping by from Pieced Pastimes.
Shelley
Cindy says
January 17, 2016 at 3:29 pmI had a hard time turning 50 and this May it will be #55! Not long after turning 50 and feeling a little depressed about it I came across the quote, “Don’t regret getting older. It is a privilege denied to many.” When I’m not so much liking the mirror views, etc. I am reminded of these words to help me keep things in perspective.
Gorgeous winter decor!
Thanks so much for sharing at AMAZE ME MONDAY!
Blessings,
Cindy
Diane | An Extraordinary Day says
January 17, 2016 at 8:11 pmI LOVE your winter decor Patti! With all the snow coming down right now, your pom-pom wreath so beautifully framed and adorned with that lovely bow would be perfect on my wall. After missing (yay!) our typical freezing temps and mountains of snow…. January woke up and decided that winter had come.
Hope you have a great week, Patti. Have fun creating, writing, exercising, discovering new recipes, and blessing your new friends. [[hugs]]
Carol Cook says
January 18, 2016 at 2:36 amIt’s so easy to look at the negative signs of aging, but there are so many good things about being the age I am now. I love that I am retired and can do what I want each day. We may move slower than we used to, but we still walk about 5 miles each day. I didn’t have the time to walk that much when I was working. We still play tennis, ride our bicycles, kayak … And, I might see my mother in the mirror, but that’s okay because she was a pretty sweet woman.
I just have to be mean and tell you that 60 was nothing. The differences I felt from 60 to 62 were exponential. But as I said, we are still super active so I didn’t let it get me down.
And how am I expected to lose weight if I eat the pimento cheese and crab nachos!
Pat says
January 19, 2016 at 12:01 pmPatti,
I LOVE this post – the message, the question you heard (AND your answer 😉 ), the photos, the light, the Scripture… I’m skating towards 60 myself, and this so very much resonates with me!!! THANK YOU for sharing it with us at Coffee & Conversation – we are SO featuring this tomorrow 🙂
Be well…shine on…and “come back and see us again, y’hear?!”
(BTW, my word for the year is “Endure…as in: to last”…
Sherry says
January 20, 2016 at 9:54 pmJust beautiful! I would say you are in your prime! Thanks for sharing at Home Sweet Home!
Louise says
January 17, 2017 at 10:26 pmI just retired 2 years ago from being a nurse it has taken me 2 years to adjust to this i can watch my grandkids when needed I raised 5 kids now it’s my turn I go to gym on my time . I watch men& women walk around the track and smile they encourage me and thank god for my spouse. I look at my wrinkles don’t like them but I earned them. We all have a purpose in life we just have to see it.