My 60th birthday wish and ramblings

Thanks, everyone for the birthday wishes via FB, FB messenger, regular text, and WhatsApp.

I am not one that is big on celebrating my birthdays. But since it was my 60th, the one thing I did was take the day off to relax. I did some reading, watched TV, and played a PC game. No not Civ 6 or Xcom2 but something different - Age of Empires 4. Rather educational cut scenes too 😁

No special meals as my wife had to work. But on Monday she made me a huge cheesecake and a large tray of lasagna. 😋

And I ate that for three meals 🤣 Monday night's dinner, and yesterday for lunch and dinner. No complaint. was good.

My plan was to attend a magic lecture last night BUT, plans for derailed due to helping sort out my wife's car. The lecture was part of my personal birthday plans 🙁BUT all good, wife comes first!

I told my family NOT to buy me anything as I think can end up being a waste of money if it ends up being something I don't really want or need. Instead, I decided to buy myself an expensive present. 😀I bought myself an iPad mini and passed my current iPad to my wife 😊

For me, the next significant birthday would be in 4 years' time. The question will be along the lines of ""Will you still need me, will you still feed me when I'm sixty-four?" 🤣🤣🤣

But seriously, if I am still around then, it would be the year I start seriously planning for turning 65. Right now, by the grace of God, everything is right on track.

For me, turning 60 is not a big deal as it is just a number. And I am grateful that with a growing list of health issues over the last few years, I am basically healthy in body and spirit. The removal of a gangrenous gall bladder, septicemia, daily pain of seronegative arthritis, and back-to-back covid have not really affected my outlook on life. It's just more opportunities to grow in grace and count my many blessings. I have the basic necessities of life - clothes on my back, food to eat, and a house over my head, and healthy relationships. Happily married for over 32 years, two adult children doing well in life, a great daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren! A mother who despite the early onset of dementia and Alzheimer's is still handling life well. She is surrounded by great family and friends who look out for her.

I belong to a wonderful community church that appreciates me as their pastor, and enjoy my "job" as a pastor. I also enjoy working with like-minded people in my wider local community. Plus I have a great fellowship of like-minded pastors in my West Auckland Pastor's fellowship. Of course, there are challenges and it may at times be stressful, but again opportunities to grow in grace, and count my many blessings.

When upon life’s billows you are tempest tossed, when you are discouraged, thinking all is lost, count your many blessings—name them one by one, and it will surprise you what the Lord hath done.

Are you ever burdened with a load of care? Does the cross seem heavy you are called to bear? Count your many blessings—ev’ry doubt will fly, and you will be singing as the days go by.

When you look at others with their lands and gold, think that Christ has promised you His wealth untold; count your many blessings—money cannot buy your reward in heaven nor your home on high.

So amid the conflict, whether great or small, do not be discouraged. God is over all; count your many blessings—angels will attend, help and comfort give you to your journey’s end.

Chorus: Count your blessings—name them one by one; count your blessings—see what God hath done.

Here's my regular birthday wish - hope it is yours too

Psalm 27:4 (ESV)

One thing have I asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in his temple.