Getting older isn’t something to fear, it’s something to honor. It doesn’t take away your beauty, your worth, or your spark. If anything, it reveals who you truly are beneath all the noise. Each passing year doesn’t diminish you, it shapes you. It softens what needs softening, strengthens what needs strengthening, and teaches you to release the things that were never yours to hold, the need to impress, to fit in, to be everything for everyone. What remains is the truest version of you: a person built from lived experiences, quiet wisdom, compassion, and resilience. The lines on your face aren’t marks of aging — they’re stories of every smile, every tear, every moment that shaped your heart. The gray strands in your hair aren’t dull — they’re a shining crown, proof that you’ve lived fully and bravely. Growing older teaches you to love more deeply, to speak more honestly, to cherish what matters and let go of what doesn’t. It doesn’t make you less significant — it makes you richer, wiser, and more extraordinary. So welcome each new year with gratitude instead of fear, for the chance to expand, to evolve, and to continue becoming the most powerful version of yourself.

I can't… I just can't 😭 😭. . I need a box of tissues. I hadn’t even finished writing my assignment on "What I Seek, Seeks Me" (see below), when Diane sent me this amazing new song by Jelly Roll: “Lord, You Are My Strength”. The timing was uncanny — he’s summing up the words I just wrote, especially #1 seeking Peace. It reminded me that if it hadn’t been for the Lord being my strength, I wouldn’t have made it through the times that taught me what I would no longer tolerate -- the silence without eye contact, the competition, the power struggles, the endless trials, the drama, the toxicity. God has truly been my refuge, my song, my anchor, and my everlasting strength in every battle.🙏 I’ve spent my whole life chasing PEACE ~until I realized I could create it myself. Now, I protect it fiercely. WHAT YOU SEEK — SEEKS YOU What I’m Seeking, Seeks Me #1 Peace I want to be accepted without having to perform. To have the freedom to sit in silence — beside someone who’s comfortable there too. I’m not looking for another challenge or project. I seek someone who makes me feel safe to grow older, to feel safe to simply be myself — no pressure to keep up the looks of my youth or hide every flaw. I’m finally comfortable in my own skin, and I want to stay that way. Through it all, I’ve learned: "Lord, you are my strength, the calm when I’m afraid, the hope in me, every step of the journey — you carry me with grace." Without Him, I wouldn’t have understood what peace really looks like, or how to demand it in my life. #2 Respect for My Scars My scars tell stories — of failure, divorce, and the mistakes that cost me dearly. I don’t want them erased, only respected. I don’t need to be fixed or analyzed.

At 73 years young, I stand at the threshold of a new chapter in my spiritual journey — transitioning from the "Seeker Stage" into the "Sage Stage". This evolution feels like donning the armor of Deborah, the only female warrior and judge in the Bible. Deborah was an Old Testament prophet, judge, and military leader in ancient Israel who delivered the Israelites from the oppression of the Canaanites. She is the only female judge mentioned in the Hebrew Bible and was also a poet, with Judges Chapter 5 featuring a victory song she wrote. Her story, detailed in the Book of Judges shows her courage and close relationship with God, who guided her in leading the people to victory against King Jabin and his commander Sisera. Very Interesting story if you haven't read it.. These memes have deeply resonated with me during this transformative period from "Seeker to Sage": - “Keep me different, Lord; I don't mind being left out.” - “If pain is the price of becoming the best, then let me suffer.” - “Keep going because that one person in Heaven doesn't want you to quit.” - “What now feels like struggle will turn into wisdom later.” - “Death is not the greatest loss in life. The greatest loss is what dies inside us while we're still alive.” (This one pierces my heart deeply.) If you're interested in delving deeper into the 7 spiritual stages of personal growth with God, here are some resources that have been instrumental in my journey: 1. 7 Stages of Spiritual Growth in a Disciple of Jesus Christ – A comprehensive guide exploring the stages from repentance to consecration. 2. Growing Up Spiritually in 7 Practical Ways – Practical steps to deepen your relationship with God. 3. 7 Profound Stages of the Christian Spiritual Journey – Insights into the stages of spiritual growth and discovery. 4. 7 Steps to Spiritual Growth – A guide to developing a closer walk with God. 5. 7 Signs of Spiritual Maturity – Indicators of spiritual growth and maturity. 6. The Life with God Study Bible – A study Bible focusing on spiritual formation and intimacy with God. 7. 7-Stages: Pathway Towards Spiritual Maturity – A discipleship ministry equipping believers for spiritual maturity.

Introduce yourself and share a photo that makes you smile! I’m thrilled to create this space where like-minded, heart-centered people come together to support, inspire, and uplift each other. 💛 Let’s get to know one another! You can use this simple format to introduce yourself: Hi, I’m [Your Name] from [Your Location]. For fun, I love to [Your Hobby or Passion]! I’ll start: Hey My Sweet Ageless Wise Friends, I’m Debra, living on beautiful Long Island, NY. For fun, I love playing golf with my family and soaking in the simple joys of life. ⛳💛 Can’t wait to meet you all and see your smiles! 🌟