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In This Issue:
THE NEW "40"
Perhaps you have heard it stated
or seen it in publications such as those produced by AARP (the
American Association of Retired Persons-that you can join at
50, who among us retires at 50?)
The phrase to which I refer
is "60 is the new 40" as in being 60 years of age
is like being 40 years of age. Since this month (May) I'll turn
60 I have been especially aware of this phrase. It has caused
me to pause and reflect on its meaning.
Every time I hear the phrase
I remember the meaning I learned for the word in the Bible "selah"
It appears for example in Psalm 3: "I cry aloud to the
Lord, and he answers me from his holy hill. Selah." (Ps.
3:4) A Bible teacher once said the word might be translated
"imagine that".
So when turning 60 I hear a
phrase like "60 is the new 40" I pause and say "imagine
that".
Of course, what it in fact
probably reflects is the "hopes" of the baby boom
generation that life will be at 60 years of age similar to what
it was at 40 years of age. That would mean 20 years more to
retirement than many have planned. That might mean raising children
or it might mean buying that first house and starring a large
mortgage in the face.
So my "selah" moments
have had a touch of reality to them, I believe.
Because of advances in health
care and nutrition it is possible to "feel like 40 at 60"...but
I'm not sure I remember what 40 "felt like". Financial
responsibilities have changed significantly in the last twenty
years-equity has built up on a home, college expenses are past
for our daughters, home expenses are less with just two at home.
Obviously, a birthday such
as I am celebrating has given me some extra reason to pause
and reflect.
My encouragement to you is
to take some "selah" moments. Some reflection time
on "where you are" in life. Do you feel like 60 when
you are only 40? Are you 50 wondering what mid-life is all about?
As you reflect I encourage
you to count your blessings-and after each one say "Selah-imagine
that!) And when you consider those things of concern in your
life remember the words of the Psalmist and cry aloud to the
Lord and listen for a response...and when the response comes
say "imagine that".
Arlo R. Reichter
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ABC BIENNIAL/CENTENNIAL
CELEBRATION
June 29-July 2, 2007
Washington, DC
"Arise & Shine"
Isaiah 60:1
Information is available at:
www.abc-usa.org
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ABC/WI GATHERING
AT THE BIENNIAL
4 - 5 PM
SAT. JUNE 30TH
during the 100th Birthday Party
gather near the Waukesha
Praise Band
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MAY
PRAYER FOCUS:
Church:
First Baptist
Janesville
Pastor:
Jerry Amstutz
Spouse:Julia
Began 09/05
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HOW MUCH?
How much financial support is provided for the
monthly publications, annual directory and websites of the region
through the 2007 region budget?
$5,500.00
(not including labor)
THE AMERICA FOR CHRIST
OFFERING
SUPPORTS THESE MINISTRIES
Thank You!
American Baptist Churches
of Wisconsin
Serving Christ
since 1844
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