Saturday I got together with a group of ladies to celebrate Mrs. Barbara’s 92 birthday.  I love just being with her and hearing her wisdom.   After 92 years she has lots of wisdom. 

She shared about a time her son was doing drugs and she didn’t know what to do and was thinking about kicking him out of the house.  But one of the pastors came to her and told her he felt like God wanted him to tell her not to kick him out of the house instead to do something everyday until there was a breakthrough.  He told her:

• Hold your son, at least by his arms, everyday.   The pastor told Mrs. Barbara he will resist but do it.
• Say to him -  I love you
• Then say to him -  I don’t like the choices you are making.
• Then say – I love you, but Jesus loves you more!!

What a great parenting principle.  I want my kids to know I love them even when they are making bad choices, but above all else I want them to know God loves them unconditionally.  I have already put these wise words of wisdom into use.

Some other great wisdom she shared was to praise God all the time.   No matter what you are going through praise God!  Glorify God, magnify Him, exalt His name.  I’ve already put this to practice too.

 

I will bless the Lord at all times;
His praise shall continually be in my mouth.
² My soul shall make its boast in the Lord;
The humble shall hear of it and be glad.
³ Oh, magnify the Lord with me,
And let us exalt His name together.

⁴ I sought the Lord, and He heard me,
And delivered me from all my fears.

Psalm 34:1-4 

What do you want your life to look like at 92?  Mrs. Barbara is full of life.  Her mind is alert, she is full of joy, and so thankful for all God has done and all she has. 

What do you want your life to look like at 60?   What choices are you making now to get you to the life you want at 30, 50, 60, 92, 100?