Thirty-nine years ago today I was born. Henceforth I think I might emulate my pastor and, when asked my age, reply “Thirty-nine ninety-five plus shipping and handling”. Either that or start to play the violin badly in emulation of the perpetual 39-year-old.

The following has always seemed to me to be a particularly appropriate verse for any occasion. (I haven’t linked the tune as it’s too dirge-like).

"The Lord hath Helped Me Hitherto"

1. The Lord hath helped me hitherto
By His surpassing favor;
His mercies every morn were new,
His kindness did not waver.
God hitherto hath been my Guide,
Hath pleasures hitherto supplied,
And hitherto hath helped me.

2. I praise and thank Thee, Lord, my God,
For Thine abundant blessing
Which heretofore Thou hast bestowed
And I am still possessing.
Inscribe this on my memory:
The Lord hath done great things for me
And graciously hath helped me.

3. Help me henceforth, O God of grace,
Help me on each occasion,
Help me in each and every place,
Help me through Jesus' Passion;
Help me in life and death, O God,
Help me through Jesus' dying blood;
Help me as Thou hast helped me!

The Lutheran Hymnal
Hymn 33 from
Author: Aemilie Juliane, 1699
Translated by: August Crull, 1882