THINGS I’VE LEARNED OVER THE PAST
50 YEARS

The Incomplete List of the
THINGS I’VE LEARNED OVER THE PAST
50 YEARS

50! FIFTY! Fiff…tyyyy! The BIG 5-0! Look, no matter how you look at it and no matter how you say it, 50 is half of 100. I have been blessed to make 50 long trips around the sun; wow! I’m 50. I’m actually 50. How absolutely & wonderfully unbelievable! Let’s GO!

I know what the numbers look like, but all I can say is that I truly do not feel as vintage as my age suggests. As far as my birthday, it was truly magical! I had the most amazing celebration with my family and dear friends! Truly a weekend of thoughtful, well-planned activities, sweet memories made, and special surprises. The calls, the messages, the cards, the gifts, the flowers, and the many hugs all made my special day just that much more memorable. My heart was full (still is), and I’m pretty sure I didn’t stop smiling all day long. My family, the people who love me the most in this world, went out of their way to make me feel like a well-loved vintage princess, and I appreciate them more than words can express.

In celebration of my 50th birthday, I thought I would share 50 truths with you that I have learned in my now half of 100 years on planet earth. Here we go, in no specific order!

MY 50 TRUTHS, LIFE LESSONS
& the incomplete list of the
THINGS I’VE LEARNED OVER THE PAST
50 YEARS

1. The #1 truth I’ve learned over the past 50 years is that Jesus Christ is the way, the
   truth, and the life. He died on the cross for my sins, was buried, and rose again on the
   third day. The only way to heaven is by accepting God’s gift of salvation through the shed blood
   of his son, Jesus Christ, on Calvary’s tree. By faith, you are saved and not by any good deeds. You can not earn your way into heaven.
2. Second only to my relationship with Jesus, my husband, and my two children are literally my everything!
   Protect your family physically, mentally, and spiritually at all costs.
3. Loyalty among family is a must! If you’re not loyal, then I can’t trust you. If I can’t trust
   you, then you’re not truly family.
4. When people, even extended family members, show you who they are, believe them!
5. Life is too short to get hung up on petty and trivial things.
6. Faith always over fear.
7. Worship is essential to my relationship with God.
8. Laughter truly is contagious.
9. Nothing is ever guaranteed.
10. You can’t control what happens, but you can control your reaction to what happens.
11. Someone is always better and worse than you.
12. In literally everything, give thanks and have a spirit of gratitude.
13. “Death and life lie in the power of the tongue.” You can not take your words back, So
    choose your words wisely.
14. In little or in much, learn to be content.
15. You create the life you live by the choices you make. So make good choices.
16. Love yourself, even your flaws.
17. Pray literally without ceasing.
18. A soft answer truly does turn away anger and believe scripture when it says that
    grievous words stir up anger.
19. Look for solutions rather than focusing on problems.
20. Love hard; tell those you love how much you love them as often as possible. Hug a
    million times each day. Life is short.
21. Try not to take things personally, even if they are personal-try not to wear your heart
    on your sleeve.
22. Be selective as to whom you allow in your inner circle.
23. Family is second only to God. Don’t ever put anyone or anything over your family
    except for God.
24. God truly loves you and has your absolute best interest at heart… trust Him with
    everything- He’s got you and can be trusted!
25. Each day is absolutely precious. Cherish the time you have and the small
    moments/memories made.
26. Build and maintain quality relationships-Don’t push away quality individuals who truly show an
    interest in you or your family.
27. Get into God’s Word every day and pray often.
28. Don’t waste time on toxic people but be kind always.
29. Do everything possible to take care of your body. You only have one.
30. Be a lifelong learner of everything.
31. Your wealth will not make you a better or happier person.
32. You can do many nice and kind things for someone, and they can still end up having
    an issue with you. Do everything as unto the Lord and leave it there. Don’t expect
    anything in return.
33. Protect your peace, even if that means distancing yourself from those who use you,
    take advantage of you, and emotionally drain you. Cut them off if you must-Protect your peace.
34. People’s actions speak louder than their words.
35. Invest in those who invest in you.
36. Communication is key to any relationship.
37. Forgive quickly, and don’t keep a record of wrong.
38. Make sure that the people you love know that you love them.
39. Sometimes, no matter what, some people are not going to like you.
40. Good manners and respect go a long way.
41. Trust has to be earned.
42. Always make people feel comfortable.
43. Don’t be selfish. Be generous.
44. Be compassionate towards others.
45. My mom used to tell me that “every girl needs a good cry every once in a while,” so
    cry, then dry your eyes, roll top your sleeves and get back at it (Millie moment iykyk).
46. Therapy is good for your mental health.
47. Tithe and see what happens.
48. Be more concerned with your heart than your outward appearance.
49. Change what you can and accept what you can not change.
50. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.” (James 1:19)