On Being 84

By Rev,Lonnie C. Crowe

Thank you for all the lovely birthday greetings.  I was blessed beyond measure. As I contemplate my 84 years, blessed is certainly the word to describe my life.  In spite of times of trial, overall, my life has been blessed. My greatest blessing is my walk with the Lord, I loved my career as a teacher.  I loved being a pastor.  I love the family God has given me. I love the many wonderful people who have walked with me through the years.

Psalm 84 is my psalm for this year.  (Longing for the courts of the Lord, does not mean that I am longing to die.  It means having a great desire for fellowship with the Lord wherever. Afterall, my body is a temple for the Holy Spirit who dwells in my heart.)

Psalm 84

How lovely is your dwelling place,
    Lord Almighty!
My soul yearns, even faints,
    for the courts of the Lord;
my heart and my flesh cry out
    for the living God.
Even the sparrow has found a home,
    and the swallow a nest for herself,
    where she may have her young—
a place near your altar,
    Lord Almighty, my King and my God.
Blessed are those who dwell in your house;
    they are ever praising you ]Blessed are those whose strength is in you,
    whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.
As they pass through the Valley of Baka (weeping),
    they make it a place of springs;
    the autumn rains also cover it with pools.

They go from strength to strength,
    till each appears before God in Zion.