This week I turn 50. Ministry is full right now, so I’ll be concise about 49 significant things I’ve learned in 49 years of life. Here you go.

49 Life Lessons

1. Life is short. As Tim McGraw says, “Life like you were dying.” It’s what I taught my history students. Life now has taught me.

2. Life has no guarantees. You and I aren’t owed anything.

3. God’s unchanging nature is the only guarantee. “For I am the Lord, I change not” (Malachi 3:6).

4. Jesus Christ does not change. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever” (Hebrews 13:8).

5. God’s word doesn’t change because God doesn’t change. “God is not human, he does not lie, not a human being that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfill?” (Numbers 23:19).

6. God’s word changes your life if you allow it. Living proof.

7. God’s word has principles for every life situation, especially parenting.

8. If you live by God’s principles, God will not fail you.

9. People will fail you.

10. Human wisdom will fail you.

11. God will never fail you.

12. Being healthy is better than being thin.

13. Being beautiful is different than being hot.

14. What we live in front of our kids significantly shapes their values.

15. What we live in front of our kids significantly shapes their identity.

16. What we live in front of our kids significantly shapes their view of God.

17. Humbling yourself by asking for forgiveness when you sin against your kids is one of the best things you can do to live your faith in front of your kids.

18. Parenting is hard.

19. Instagram and Pinterest gives false messages about real life. So does all social media. It’s harming our families.

20. I’m glad most of my parenting was done without social media.

21. You have to fight in the spiritual realm for the emotional and spiritual health of your kids.

22. God walks with you in adversity and you have to trust God in adversity.

23. You have to trust God for what he’s doing in your child’s life you can’t control.

24. After 40, your body controls you.

25. The forties are better than the 30’s because somewhere along the way you give up striving for a lot of stuff.

26. Working hard is different than striving.

27. Age does not limit you. Attitude or blaming does.

28. Deadlines are your friend.

29. Boundaries are your friend.

30. Each of us are responsible for our own selves.

31. Each of us have the capacity to change and change is a choice

32. The 80’s really had the best music.

33. My hair is a lot of work.

34. Marriage is hard and good and better the older you get.

35. Independent thinking is one of humanity’s greatest gifts, yet too many people don’t think for themselves.

36. If you’re married, you’re on the same team. It’s not worth fighting over the little stuff.

37. Girls have more words than boys.

38. Athletic boys eat a lot.

39. Misogyny is a real thing if you’re a woman in ministry. And it hurts, the pain is deep.

40. Kids take all your time. Because when they’re not with you, you’re still thinking about them or what you need to do for them.

41. Self care is the best investment.

42. Grace is the greatest gift God gives you, you give to yourself, and you give to others.

43. Writing a book about releasing your kids and facing midlife is really therapeutic for approaching 50.

44. A lot of stuff doesn’t matter.

45. Kids in high school don’t play most sports their parents took them too in elementary school once they decide what they really want to do and the work required to do so.

46. I love Jesus.

47. You can raise your kids according to biblical principles and your kids won’t be weird.

48. Loyal friends are ones to cherish.

49. Jesus changed my family and he is real.

What’s next.

More to come. 50 things for the next 50 years. Also, I’m doing a broadcast series “Fifty Fridays” on Facebook every Friday. Join me! Like the FB page, click “follow” and you’ll be notified when I go live or you can watch the replays.

I’m excited about what’s to come. If you want more of real life lessons in my ministry, follow me on Instagram, that’s where it happens daily.

Fledge for Moms!

Mother’s Day and graduation are coming up. May is the month for moms and Fledge is the gift for them! As

one reader said, “Fledge is mom-medicine” especially for Mother’s Day and those withgraduating kids!

Or, if you want more about parenting through your 30’s and 40’s and midlife get  Fledge: Launching Your Kids Without Losing Your Mind.