40

The Lord told Noah that He would send rain for 40 days and 40 nights (Gen 7:4). Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days (Matt 4:1-11; Mark 1:12-13; Luke 4:1-13). 40 days twelve spies surveyed the land of Canaan (Num 13;18-25). Because of Israel’s disobedience in not entering the Promised Land, they roamed the wilderness for 40 years (Num 14:34).

Today, September 17, 2021 I am 40 years old. It is not lost on me that my entire life thus far is how long Israel wandered in the desert. I have done for more complaining and grumbling then I ever want to admit! I have also experienced joy and peace in the Lord.

I also realize that going forward in life I would be part of Israel that did NOT see the Promised Land. I can’t help but wonder for the younger generation in the wilderness if they didn’t get to a point where they were like, “can you just die already so that we can stop wandering?!”

While I am a sinful and flawed child of God, I am thankful for each day the Lord gives me. I am thankful for my family and friends. I am thankful for this WordPress community. Please know that I love you, I pray for you and that I am cheering you on in your journey. Never hesitate to contact me with prayer requests.

Lord God, thank You for today! Thank You Lord for all the wonderful and amazing people You have allowed me to love and meet over these 40 years. Thank You Lord for salvation! Thank You for Your faithfulness to me. May I be obedient and faithful to You and to others. Lord God, help us to choose joy and to choose life even when it is difficult. Thank You Lord for this reader! In Jesus’s Name I pray. Amen.

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Blue Collar Theologian

My name is Mandy Sweigart-Quinn, I live in Lancaster, PA and I am a “Blue Collar Theologian.” I love Jesus! I am passionate about His Word (The Holy Bible)! I come alive when I can encourage others in their walk with Jesus (whether by writing or speaking). As a “Blue Collar Theologian” it is my aim to live/practice/work out my Christian hope with sincerity, authenticity and genuineness. As a “Blue Collar Theologian,” I strive to meet people right where they are (“Incarnational Theology”). I graduated in May 2019 from Capital Seminary and Graduate School with a Master's in Biblical Studies. I am a passionate, excited and enthusiastic person! I love flowers, sports and sunsets. Since January 2, 2018 I have had the privilege of being married to Nathan.

101 thoughts on “40”

    1. Thank you, Kent!!!! There’s been a LOT of self reflection lately and I am thankful for this new decade, this time to be alive. The Bible is coming to life in end time ways and what a stunning time to be alive! So thankful for God allowing us to connect on WP. Praying and praising God for you!!!! Love and blessings to you and your family!!!

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  3. This is called salvation. Whether we are sinners or pious is not a big issue when we learn to be humble and we show our gratitude to the Lord for all that we have and for all that we are,and this is the true or real work of the Holy Spirit. Thank you very much for this blessed post. Pray for Francis Ashis.God bless.Take care.🌹🙏😊

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  6. Happy number 40, Mandy! This is a very moving and thought-provoking post, and especially for those of us who are quite a bit older than 40, what you wrote certainly applies to us as well.

    May God bless you richly in these challenging days.

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    1. Thank you, David! You are consistently in my thoughts and prayers!!! Thank you for taking the time to comment, I am humbled and appreciative! You are a gift to so many of us David and I am glad that the Lord led me to your blog many years ago!!! Praying for strength for you and salvation for Zac and Aaron. Jesus loves you and so do I!

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    1. Thanks, Dad!!!! I was going to include something about praying for my parents to deal with the fact their oldest child is 40! At least Chad isn’t there yet for y’all! I love you so much and wouldn’t be half the woman I am today if it weren’t for you! I LOVE YOU!!! Tell PQ high from us and give him a hug for us!!! 🐶🐶😘😘🤗🤗🏈🏈⚾️⚾️

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  9. Have a blessed and joyous Birthday Mandy! Reflection on what has transpired in our past can be a sobering exercise and it definitely helps to put things into a reality based perspective. God’s grace is a marvellous reality and all of us would be lost without His benevolence. If a crusty old guy like myself can see the love in your heart for God, one can only speculate the delight that God has in His heart for you. God looks at our hearts and He knows our limitations. When all is said and done, we all enter the Promised Land through Jesus for there is no other way. Enjoy your Birthday with Nathan and your loved ones and know that you are loved. Love in Christ – Bruce

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    1. What a beautiful, kind and loving comment, thank you Bruce!!!! Amen to “God’s grace is a marvellous reality and all of us would be lost without His benevolence.” How true, how true to quote something my mom would say!!! Thank you for sharing that “we all enter the Promised Land through Jesus for there is no other way.” What a magnificent and glorious truth! Love and blessings to you and Peggy!!!!!

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  12. Happy Birthday to You
    Happy Birthday to You
    Happy Birthday, Precious Mandy…
    And Many More, Too! ❤ ❤ ❤

    You are now the same age as my youngest son, the one who just got married. My oldest son turned 50 last month. My next big zero ending birthday, less than 2 years away, will have the number 7 in front. But I still feel like I am 25. It's true — you are only as old as you feel. 😀

    Mandy, you are beautiful and brilliant and wise far beyond your years. Thank you so much for all your precious prayers. I am praying now for you to be blessed in a special way today. ((HUG))

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    1. Thank you, Mama Linda!!!!! You are such a gift and a joy to me! Thank you for your love, encouragement, support, prayers etc. I am so thankful that God brought us together via WP!!! You are as young as you feel I do agree with that!!!! Keep smiling and shining for Jesus, Linda! YOU ARE LOVED!!!! 😘😘🤗🤗🐶🐶

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  13. All of my life I heard that “life” begins at 40. When I arrived at the benchmark, I told a dear friend, who was 32 at the time, that the 30’s can really kick your rear. Little did I know that the 40’s & 50’s can do that, too. But yes, a lot of life had happened since the 40 speed bump. I suppose you will find it true in your life. Welcome to the 40’s, dear girl. Hugs & God’s grip – Alan

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  17. Mandy,
    It’s been almost a couple of decades since I turned 40 but for some reason I really remember how it felt, like an arrival. So now you have “arrived” not alone but in communion with the eternal God who has called you into fellowship with Him as His precious child, to whom you are as the sweet aroma of Christ (2 Cor. 2:15). May you feel His smile upon you, and may His sweetness be upon you always (Ps. 90:17)! “The eternal God is your dwelling place, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deut. 33:27).
    Happy Birthday, dear sister! 🥰
    pax,
    dora

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    1. Shalom, Dora!!!! Your ability to write absolutely astounds me!!!!! Thank you for this!!! There are few people who’s words/writings leave me speechless but you render me speechless often. The way that you allow our Triune God to flow through you is a beautiful sight to behold. The way that you stir emotions while causing us to think and reflect is truly a gift from God. I am SO thankful that God has led me to you! I hope this isn’t offensive in any way but I tell Nathan how awesome I think you are, “Dora the Explorer” and I remain your humble Mandylorian, sister and friend!!!! Love, hugs and blessings!!!!

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      1. I will gladly be “Dora the Explorer” to your Mandylorian, that’s how much you bless me, dear one! Thanking Him for all the passion you bring to your new life in Him by which He is glorified and all are blessed. Mega-hugs and blessings to you, and much love through Him who first loved us! 💝

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  18. Happy Birthday, Mandy! I love correlation you draw with the number 40! When you consider the Israelites wandered for as long as you’ve been alive it sure puts it in a whole new light, doesn’t it? Wow. Don’t worry, the Promised Land is coming soon! Blessings sweet Sister! Enjoy your Special Day!

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      1. We didn’t feel any tremors though Carson is not too far from us. I did see people on FB that felt it more south of us (and closer to the epicenter). Some sister 6 miles south of us felt it more….

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  31. Moses was 40 years in Egypt, 40 years in the wilderness and 40 years leading God’s people in the Wilderness… Welcome to the second 40! Your ministry is appreciated!

    Blessings
    BT

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