AUTHOR: Robin Dugall DATE: 1:56:00 PM ----- BODY:

"Wisdom is with aged men, with long life is understanding" Job 12:12 If this is how it feels to creep up to the edge of the precipice of life, peak over the edge and soak in a gander of the downward slide of old age, then all I can say is, "bring it on". To quote a famous preacher, "I have seen the promise land". To tell you the truth, the promised land of post-50 living, since it is the next part of this earthly journey for me, is really one that I have anticipated for a long time. There is something about enjoying many of the fruits of my labors in life that is appealing these days. I am blessed to see my children taking their places in the courts of difference makers for the Kingdom...I am blessed to see the ups and downs, struggles and victories of their marriages and relationships. I love seeing them raise up a new generation of Christ followers and passionate lovers of God. I get so much satisfaction in building into an emerging generation...talking with friends about substantive issues in life...and pursuing new challenges that I could have never guessed that I would face when I was 25. All in all, I have strapped my skiis onto my feet...pointed the tips downhill and I'm ready to let em rip! I'm not going go downhill slowly...I'm going to attack every minute. Cool things? I have a wonderful wife and pal to share it with...a powerful community to smile with when I face plant...and new endeavors that are bringing out a whole new set of experiences that are keeping me on my knees. I'm grateful for every breath...every new book...every new sense of love...every person that makes the next step worth taking...every new insight and thought that proves to me that my mind is still working and my heart is still tender. Is there angst at 50? For many, probably so. I'm much more apt to join my old friend, Job, in praising the God who reveals the best in life as life continues on. Think on this...if it gets better as you get older, imagine what happens when you go "further up and further in"? So, if you are a friend who's reading this and feeling sorry for this old goat, don't! Know that you are loved and appreciated more than you can imagine. If you are one of my kids or immediate family members...you are loved! Thanks for sharing all that is to come. If you are reading this and you have NO idea of who I am and what this is all about...maybe something will strike you as odd and you'll approach the throne of eternity and ask some questions of your own. All I know is that I cannot wait to see what the next seconds, minutes, moments and/or years will bring. Since the Kingdom is at hand...I'm going to continue to savor every moment...hey, why not? It goes on forever! Wrap your mind around that one Paco!

-------- COMMENT-AUTHOR: Rick Ellis COMMENT-DATE:11:13 AM COMMENT-BODY:Robin as I approach 45, on the 21st, I wonder what signficance I have made towards the Kingdom of God. Sometimes I question what exactely my role is in the whole process. But then I get moments to look back and see what a special pair of glasses that God has given each of us: retrospect. My smile grows from from ear to ear as I get to witness much of what you have already discribed. Your thoughts give me a hope and desire to continue onward, to those more "golden" years.

I get some incredible rewards in the process! I first get a sense of assurance that I am truly a child of God. And I get a sense of accomplishment when I see former students teaching and leading others to Christ. And on occasion I am blessed with a hug anda comment about how much I am loved!

I wnat to be that world's oldest youth guy! I want students never to look at me and say I remember when he was fun. I know that God will continue to put a spring in my step and a twinkle of youthfulness in my message.

God bless us older youth guys! --------