You've got the 401k, the back porch overlooking a pond stocked with bass, the grandkids, the wife, sunrises and sunsets, so what do you do now? The only constant you need worry about is time. No more eight am meetings, traffic gridlock, stained white shirts from leaky pens, spam emails, and cute greeting cards reminding you that you're a year older. You sit on the back porch with your wife of forty years sippin' on Starbucks dark roasted Columbia blend as the sun casts an orange hue over the pond rippling with large-mouth bass enjoying the morning cool air in the Sandia Mountains. Route 66 and Albuquerque can be seen in the distance as the purple shadows grow shorter and the morning dew evaporates from the Yaupon on your five-acre spread.
David L. McKenna shares glimpses into his transition from 33 years as an executive in higher education, to taking walks and shopping for groceries. With insights that are often humorous and light-hearted, McKenna offers and helpful game plan for people taking a serious look at retirement.
A ninety-six-year-old man, on admission to a nursing home, was interviewed by a social worker. She asked, "Did you have a happy childhood?" With a twinkle in his eye, he replied: "So far, so good!" One of the undeniable facts of life is that we are all aging. Many people dread growing old. It was Bette Davis who said, "Old age ain't no place for sissies!" And yet Dr. Cook believes that what really matters as we age is not the condition of the body, but that of the spirit. We can find meaning and purpose no matter what our age. Growing Old Isn't for Sissies focuses on the physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges we encounter as we age, primarily after age sixty-five, and what our Christian faith has to say to those challenges and changes. Our faith in God can help us in our journey through life, no matter what our age. This book will help those who are growing older to understand some of the changes and problems associated with growing older, whether you are twenty, forty, sixty or eighty. It will help you understand the spiritual resources that are important in coping with growing older.
John Piper challenges fellow baby boomers to forego the American dream of retirement and live out their golden years with a far greater purpose in mind. They say it's a person's reward for all those years of labor. "Turn in your time card and trade in your IRAs. Let travel plans and golf-course leisure lead the way." But is retirement really the ideal? Or is it a series of poor options that ignore a greater purpose-and will kill a person more quickly than old age? John Piper responds: "Lord, spare me this curse!" And his resounding message is for anyone who believes there's far more to the golden years than accumulating comforts. It's for readers who long to finish better than they started, persevere for the right reasons (and without fear), experience true security, value what lies beyond their cravings, and live dangerously for the One who gave his life in his prime. With this brief book, Piper is sure to spur fellow baby boomers in their resolve to invest themselves in the sacrifices of love -and to grow old with godly zeal.
Getting Older Ain't for Sissies is a commonsense introduction to the changes we experience as we age. It is not intended to be a complete medical book but rather a practical introduction to aging written with some humor and illustrations. It can be used as a supplement or guide when talking with your doctor or to your family to help them understand what you are experiencing and to help plan for future needs.
This is the fourth volume of Massoud’s writing. This book contains fifty-eight short stories and essays—some funny, some tragic, and some spiritual. All are about the people of age eighty and over. As the author’s painting, Massoud Boutique, on the front cover illustrates, there is a great difference between old and young. The lady wears an eighteenth-century dress, yet the picture of the young girl in the window is modern fashion of 2008. The battle of ages has existed forever. This is a law of nature.
In 2005 my wife, Jan, and I moved into a condo along the shores of Lake Washington. Even though I had served as President of Seattle Pacific University back in the 1970s, I was unknown on the streets of the resort-like village of Kirkland, Washington. Each morning Molly, our Maltese puppy, and I went across the street for her "potty break" and exercise. Soon, with Molly as the introducer, I discovered a new world where strangers became friends through the connection of our dogs. Later, after two back surgeries, Jan joined us on our daily walk down the street, through the village, and around the park by using a doggie stroller as a substitute for a walker. The sight of the three of us walking down the street, with Molly peering forward from her seat at the helm of the stroller, became a phenomenon of its own on the streets of Kirkland. Together, we walked through an open door of learning and found that friendship based upon listening, caring, and giving is a grace that God reserves for plain people who walk daily and serve joyfully in common places.
Cicero's classic "On Old Age" is now adapted, explained, and updated to today's world. "Getting old is not for sissies": the mortal words of Bette Davis. And somewhat the theme of Cicero's "On Old Age." Except that Cicero did not believe in denying aging or hiding its effects. What he believed has been passed on for generations and still speaks to a modern world.Now "De Senectute" by Marcus Tullius Cicero can be read with a real understanding of it, explained and presented to the current reader. Adapted by Richard Gerberding, a retired professor of history and director of Classical Studies at the University of Alabama at Huntsville, Cicero's essay makes sense and is lively and witty. More than sixty clever illustrations by Lance Rossi add to the enjoyment.Part of the Journeys & Memories Series from Quid Pro Books.
For clergy, retirement is an opportunity—and a matter of the soul. The topic of retirement is critical for an increasing number of clergy, but it is often ignored—something many clergy would rather not think about. After decades of leadership, retirement can seem more like an obstacle—or even like oblivion—than an opportunity. Stepping Aside, Moving Ahead offers guidance for any clergyperson within a decade of retirement. Author Steve Harper writes in the form of letters to a fictitious “every-pastor.” Through these compassionate and instructive letters, the author dialogues with clergy who are just beginning to think about what retirement might bring and with those who stand on the brink of it. He guides the reader through the entire process of planning for retirement: from the initial questions about timing, to financial and other practical concerns, to issues of call and legacy, and more. Steve Harper’s wise counsel and pastoral voice is just what clergy need. “Retirement is a spiritual question for pastors. Having answered the call of God to lifetime ministry, how does a pastor assume the role of a retiree? Steve Harper answers the question with spiritual insights and practical suggestions that affirm retirement as a chapter in God’s call leading us to new depths of understanding in renewal and new heights of joy in redeployment.” —David McKenna, President Emeritus, Asbury Theological Seminary, Wilmore, KY “Stepping Aside, Moving Ahead offers theological, personal, and practical advice for anyone who is considering or who is already in retirement. Harper includes a comprehensive spectrum of the issues around clergy retirement. His message is clear: there is abundant life after retirement. This book should be given to every clergy at preretirement seminars in order to prepare servant leaders for this fruitful chapter in their lives.” —Peggy A. Johnson, Bishop, Philadelphia Area, UMC "This book is an excellent tool for boomers and clergy ... who see great significance in living our legacy of love and faith as we mentor others!" --Clayton L. Smith, Executive Pastor, United Methodist Church of the Resurrection
