It’s March 30, 2022. I am 45 today. As I walked into the sitting room with my coffee in hand, I spot several cards on my chair—a sweet gesture to show how my family has thought of me and prepared to celebrate me with words, which is my favorite!
Josh scoots out to work. The kids shuffle off to school. And Rolo and I sigh deeply and settle into the quiet morning. She naps on the chair because she has been awake for at least 30 minutes and can’t help but shut her eyes.
I open my Bible and put on my reading glasses. I don’t hide the fact that “Lord, it’s my birthday and I could really use a word from You this morning. Something clearly from You for me.” I don’t normally approach my Bible in this way, but I was feeling sassy on my birthday I guess.
I read Psalm 69, 70 and 71. It was chapter 71 that caught my attention. The subtitle is “Prayer of an Old Man for Deliverance.” I thought it was kind of funny of the Lord to do this, but after I read it, I was so deeply encouraged.
Verse One says, “In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed.” And I have written in the margin, “Let me finish well.” I was just soberly reminded that a faithful life is of great value when I read Josh’s words of love for me in his card, and he was sure to emphasize the fact that we have a committed and faithful marriage. Our choice to love the Lord and love each other every day is a gift to each other that cannot be overstated. O, Lord, help me finish well.
Verse 5 and 6 spoke to me also, “O Lord God, You are my confidence from my youth. By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother’s womb; My praise is continually of You.” The Lord has been the constant in my life. He created me, He knows me, He helps me, He forgives me, He cares for me, He sustains my life—today and every day up until this day.
Verse 14-16 are so good—“But as for me, I will hope continually, and will praise You yet more and more. My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness and of Your salvation all day long, for I do not know the sum of them. I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord God; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.” I love that line “for I do not know the sum of them.” It’s like saying in regards to His faithfulness and care for me, “I don’t even know the half of it.” I would be face to floor all the rest of my life if I could fully understand and comprehend His great love for me all these 45 years.
So if there is one thing I want to do today, on my 45th birthday, it’s speak up for God. He has been so personal, so good, so kind, so patient and forgiving, so gentle and caring to me. I don’t want to imagine my life without Him. He has “shown me many troubles and distresses” and comforted me through every one of them.
“Whom have I in heaven but You? And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Psalm 73:25-26




My sweet workout buddy, Jenni, gave me the cutest earrings. And my trainer made me do lunges with 45 pounds—I guess in honor of my age! So thankful for health and friends today!





