MID-SEGMENT GUEST: Amy Ford 

Organization: Embrace Grace 

Part 1 of the 2-Part Series on Neighboring

Too often, retirees overlook the ministry opportunities right in their neighborhoods. In this episode, Bruce and Jim discuss practical ways to build connections with neighbors, like hosting dinner parties, neighborhood potlucks, or simply meeting for breakfast at a local spot. Small steps can lead to big relationships. 

In the second segment, Amy Ford from Embrace Grace shares her inspiring journey of transforming her personal experience with an unplanned pregnancy into a nationwide ministry. Embrace Grace empowers churches to support women and couples facing unexpected pregnancies through 12-week support groups. Amy emphasizes the importance of older generations mentoring younger ones, offering authenticity and encouragement to a generation craving real connection. 

Wrapping up, the show challenge retirees to consider moving into neighborhoods with younger families, offering wisdom, practical help, and mentorship. Whether it’s teaching basic life skills or just being a positive presence, retirees can bring transformation and joy. Retirement is a time to bloom where you’re planted and let your light shine!

www.RetirementReformation.org

MID-SEGMENT GUEST: Amy Ford&nbsp;
Organization: <a href="https://embracegrace.org/">Embrace Grace</a>&nbsp;
Part 1 of the 2-Part Series on Neighboring
Too often, retirees overlook the ministry opportunities right in their neighborhoods. In this episode, Bruce and Jim discuss practical ways to build connections with neighbors, like hosting dinner parties, neighborhood potlucks, or simply meeting for breakfast at a local spot. Small steps can lead to big relationships.&nbsp;
In the second segment, Amy Ford from Embrace Grace shares her inspiring journey of transforming her personal experience with an unplanned pregnancy into a nationwide ministry. Embrace Grace empowers churches to support women and couples facing unexpected pregnancies through 12-week support groups. Amy emphasizes the importance of older generations mentoring younger ones, offering authenticity and encouragement to a generation craving real connection.&nbsp;
Wrapping up, the show challenge retirees to consider moving into neighborhoods with younger families, offering wisdom, practical help, and mentorship. Whether it&rsquo;s teaching basic life skills or just being a positive presence, retirees can bring transformation and joy. Retirement is a time to bloom where you&rsquo;re planted and let your light shine!
<a href="http://www.retirementreformation.org/">www.RetirementReformation.org</a>

Unlock God’s purpose for your retirement with the iRetire4Him Podcast! Hosts Jim & Martha Brangenberg deliver practical, biblical advice so that you can prepare for and live out a retirement full of purpose and satisfaction. Remember, if you’ve got a pulse, you’ve got a purpose. Decide today to say, “iRetire4Him!”

Unlock God&rsquo;s purpose for your retirement with the iRetire4Him Podcast! Hosts Jim &amp; Martha Brangenberg deliver practical, biblical advice so that you can prepare for and live out a retirement full of purpose and satisfaction. Remember, if you&rsquo;ve got a pulse, you&rsquo;ve got a purpose. Decide today to say, &ldquo;iRetire4Him!&rdquo;

iRetire4Him

131: Bloom Where You’re Planted

FEATURING: Jim & Martha Brangenberg 

ORGANIZATION: iWork4Him Ministries 

Christmas is meant to be full of meaning – not just memories. In this special Christmas episode of iRetire4Him, Jim and Martha Brangenberg share a simple, practical challenge for retirees: use the Christmas season as an opportunity to love the neighbors God has already placed around you. 

For many retired neighbors, Christmas can be quiet, lonely, or even difficult – especially with physical limitations, tighter budgets, or family living far away. But those challenges also open the door for beautiful ministry opportunities right where you live. 

In this episode, Jim and Martha remind us that loving your neighbors doesn’t require big events or elaborate plans. Often, the most meaningful moments come through small, intentional acts: 
Sharing a plate of cookies 
Inviting neighbors over for dessert or coffee 
Hosting a casual gathering in your home or garage 
Delivering leftovers after Christmas 
Simply learning your neighbors’ names and saying, “We’re here if you need anything” 

They also share fun, low-pressure ideas like neighborhood gift games (“you’ve been socked!”), community parades, cookie exchanges, and simple games that build shared memories and open doors for deeper relationships. 

Most importantly, this conversation points us back to the true reason for the season – Jesus. Christmas creates a natural, gentle way to share faith, stories, and hope with the people God has placed in our everyday lives. 

Your Christmas Challenge: 

Before the year ends, choose one simple way to love a neighbor. One visit. One invitation. One shared moment. Let God do the rest. 

From the iRetire4Him family to yours, Merry Christmas! 

 

And don’t forget that you can give yourself or a friend the gift of purpose in retirement. Email Jim@iWork4Him.com to request your free copy of iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement – just pay shipping (US residents only).  

P.S. – Read the first chapter for free! 

FEATURING:&nbsp;Jim &amp; Martha Brangenberg&nbsp;
ORGANIZATION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iwork4him.com/donate">iWork4Him Ministries</a>&nbsp;
Christmas is meant to be full of&nbsp;meaning&nbsp;&ndash; not just memories. In this special Christmas episode of&nbsp;iRetire4Him, Jim and Martha&nbsp;Brangenberg&nbsp;share a simple, practical challenge for retirees: use the Christmas season as an opportunity to love the neighbors God has already placed around you.&nbsp;
For many retired neighbors, Christmas can be quiet, lonely, or even difficult &ndash; especially with physical limitations, tighter budgets, or family living far away. But those challenges also open the door for beautiful ministry opportunities right where you live.&nbsp;
In this episode, Jim and Martha remind us that loving your neighbors&nbsp;doesn&rsquo;t&nbsp;require big events or elaborate plans. Often, the most meaningful moments come through small, intentional acts:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="51" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">Sharing a plate of cookies&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="51" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Inviting neighbors over for dessert or coffee&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="51" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">Hosting a casual gathering in your home or garage&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="51" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">Delivering leftovers after Christmas&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="51" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Simply learning your neighbors&rsquo; names and saying, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re here if you need anything&rdquo;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
They also share fun, low-pressure ideas like neighborhood gift games (&ldquo;you&rsquo;ve been socked!&rdquo;), community parades, cookie exchanges, and simple games that build shared memories and open doors for deeper relationships.&nbsp;
Most importantly, this conversation points us back to the true reason for the season &ndash; Jesus. Christmas creates a natural, gentle way to share faith, stories, and hope with the people God has placed in our everyday lives.&nbsp;
Your Christmas Challenge:&nbsp;
Before the year ends, choose one&nbsp;simple way&nbsp;to love a neighbor. One visit. One invitation. One shared moment. Let God do the rest.&nbsp;
From the iRetire4Him family to yours, Merry Christmas!&nbsp;
&nbsp;
And&nbsp;don&rsquo;t&nbsp;forget that you can give yourself or a friend&nbsp;the&nbsp;gift of&nbsp;purpose in retirement.&nbsp;Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Jim@iWork4Him.com">Jim@iWork4Him.com</a>&nbsp;to request your free copy of&nbsp;iRetire4Him: Unlock God&rsquo;s Purpose for Your Retirement&nbsp;&ndash; just pay shipping (US residents only).&nbsp;&nbsp;
P.S. &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iwork4him.com/iretire4him-book">Read the first chapter for free!</a>&nbsp;

154: A Simple Christmas Challenge for Retirees 

FEATURING: Russell Jenson 

ORGANIZATION: Retired business owner, coach, and educator 

This week, Jim sits down with brand-new retiree Russell Jenson—whose “quiet summer” on a Minnesota lake turned into something far more unexpected. Just months after handing off his business, Russell suddenly found himself with an empty calendar, a pontoon boat, and a campground full of people who didn’t realize how ready they were for church. What began as one simple question—“Would you come if I kept it under 39 minutes?”—sparked a Sunday-morning gathering that surprised everyone…including Russell. 

You’ll hear: 
How a former escape-room business owner ended up preaching (even though he introduced himself by insisting he wasn’t a pastor… right before doing everything a pastor does). 
Why 32 campers rolled up in golf carts—bloody marys in hand—to join Russell’s first lakeside service. 
The surprising story behind “9:39,” and why that oddly specific number worked. 
How God used decades of leadership training, Dale Carnegie coaching, and team-building work to shape Russell’s unexpected next assignment. 
Why having nothing on the calendar felt both terrifying and freeing—and how Russell and his wife are learning to listen for God’s direction one day at a time. 
The rhythms Russell now keeps—coaching men, leading morning Bible studies, mentoring a young pastor in Pakistan—and why none of it was even on his radar 20 years ago. 

Russell’s story is a fresh, honest window into what can happen when retirement isn’t an escape from responsibility but an invitation from God. If your own next season feels foggy, his journey will encourage you to start with prayer, stay available, and trust that God’s assignments rarely waste your past experiences. 

Tune in for a heartfelt, humorous look at a man discovering what comes after “I’m done working”—and how a Minnesota lake became the classroom where God clarified Russell’s calling. 

 

Ready to plan and execute your retirement with Kingdom impact? Email Jim@iWork4Him.com to request your free copy of iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement – just pay shipping (ships to US residents only).  

P.S. – Read the first chapter for free! 

FEATURING: Russell Jenson&nbsp;
ORGANIZATION:&nbsp;Retired business&nbsp;owner,&nbsp;coach, and educator&nbsp;
This week, Jim sits down with brand-new retiree Russell Jenson&mdash;whose &ldquo;quiet summer&rdquo; on a Minnesota lake turned into something far more unexpected. Just months after handing off his business, Russell suddenly found himself with an empty calendar, a pontoon boat, and a campground full of people who&nbsp;didn&rsquo;t&nbsp;realize how ready they were for church. What began as one simple question&mdash;&ldquo;Would you come if I kept it under 39 minutes?&rdquo;&mdash;sparked a Sunday-morning gathering that surprised everyone&hellip;including Russell.&nbsp;
You&rsquo;ll&nbsp;hear:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="52" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="1" data-aria-level="1">How a former escape-room business owner ended up preaching (even though he introduced himself by insisting he&nbsp;wasn&rsquo;t&nbsp;a pastor&hellip; right before doing everything a pastor does).&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="52" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="2" data-aria-level="1">Why 32 campers rolled up in golf carts&mdash;bloody&nbsp;marys&nbsp;in hand&mdash;to join Russell&rsquo;s first lakeside service.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="52" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="3" data-aria-level="1">The surprising story behind &ldquo;9:39,&rdquo; and why that oddly specific number worked.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="52" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="4" data-aria-level="1">How God used decades of leadership training, Dale Carnegie coaching, and team-building work to shape Russell&rsquo;s unexpected next assignment.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="52" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="5" data-aria-level="1">Why having&nbsp;nothing&nbsp;on the calendar felt both terrifying and freeing&mdash;and how Russell and his wife are learning to listen for God&rsquo;s direction one day at a time.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-setsize="-1" data-leveltext="" data-font="Symbol" data-listid="52" data-list-defn-props="{&quot;335552541&quot;:1,&quot;335559683&quot;:0,&quot;335559684&quot;:-2,&quot;335559685&quot;:720,&quot;335559991&quot;:360,&quot;469769226&quot;:&quot;Symbol&quot;,&quot;469769242&quot;:[8226],&quot;469777803&quot;:&quot;left&quot;,&quot;469777804&quot;:&quot;&quot;,&quot;469777815&quot;:&quot;hybridMultilevel&quot;}" data-aria-posinset="6" data-aria-level="1">The rhythms Russell now keeps&mdash;coaching men, leading morning Bible studies, mentoring a young pastor in Pakistan&mdash;and why none of it was even on his radar 20 years ago.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Russell&rsquo;s story is a fresh, honest window into what can happen when retirement&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;an escape from responsibility but an invitation from God. If your own next season feels foggy, his journey will encourage you to start with prayer, stay available, and trust that God&rsquo;s assignments rarely waste your past experiences.&nbsp;
Tune in for a heartfelt, humorous look at a man discovering what comes&nbsp;after&nbsp;&ldquo;I&rsquo;m done working&rdquo;&mdash;and how a Minnesota lake became the classroom where God clarified Russell&rsquo;s calling.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
Ready to plan and execute your retirement with Kingdom impact? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Jim@iWork4Him.com">Jim@iWork4Him.com</a>&nbsp;to request your free copy of&nbsp;iRetire4Him: Unlock God&rsquo;s Purpose for Your Retirement&nbsp;&ndash; just pay shipping (ships to&nbsp;US residents only).&nbsp;&nbsp;
P.S. &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iwork4him.com/iretire4him-book">Read the first chapter for free!</a>&nbsp;

153: “You Got 39 Minutes?” 

FEATURING: Jim Brangenberg 

ORGANIZATION: iRetire4Him 

Retirement isn’t a biblical “off-ramp” from purpose. Scripture calls believers to live on mission as long as they have breath. Instead of drifting into a leisure-first mindset, Jim encourages listeners to view retirement as a God-assigned season of influence, service, and legacy. 

That’s why Jim and Martha want to send you the iRetire4Him book at no cost (just cover shipping). It equips you to approach retirement with clarity, calling, and joy. 

Inside, you'll discover guidance such as: 
• Why retirement should shift from comfort to Kingdom purpose 
• How staying rooted near family and community strengthens generational impact 
• Practical ideas for serving as a “fully funded missionary” in retirement 
• Encouragement for investing in younger families who need wisdom and presence 

Ready to plan and execute your retirement with Kingdom impact? Email Jim@iWork4Him.com to request your free copy of iRetire4Him: Unlock God’s Purpose for Your Retirement – just pay shipping (ships to US residents only).  

P.S. – Read the first chapter for free!

FEATURING: Jim Brangenberg&nbsp;
ORGANIZATION:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iretire4him.com/">iRetire4Him</a>&nbsp;
Retirement&nbsp;isn&rsquo;t&nbsp;a biblical &ldquo;off-ramp&rdquo; from purpose.&nbsp;Scripture calls believers to live on mission as long as they have breath.&nbsp;Instead of drifting into a leisure-first mindset, Jim encourages listeners to view retirement as a God-assigned season of influence, service, and legacy.&nbsp;
That&rsquo;s&nbsp;why Jim and Martha want to send you the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iwork4him.com/iretire4him-book">iRetire4Him&nbsp;book</a>&nbsp;at no cost (just cover shipping).&nbsp;It equips you to approach retirement with clarity, calling, and joy.&nbsp;
Inside,&nbsp;you'll&nbsp;discover guidance such as:&nbsp; &bull; Why retirement should shift from comfort to Kingdom purpose&nbsp; &bull; How staying rooted near family and community strengthens generational impact&nbsp; &bull; Practical ideas for serving as a &ldquo;fully funded missionary&rdquo; in retirement&nbsp; &bull; Encouragement for investing in younger families who need wisdom and presence&nbsp;
Ready to plan and execute your retirement with Kingdom impact? Email&nbsp;<a href="mailto:Jim@iWork4Him.com">Jim@iWork4Him.com</a>&nbsp;to request your free copy of&nbsp;iRetire4Him: Unlock God&rsquo;s Purpose for Your Retirement&nbsp;&ndash; just pay shipping&nbsp;(ships&nbsp;to&nbsp;US residents only).&nbsp;&nbsp;
P.S. &ndash;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.iwork4him.com/iretire4him-book">Read the first chapter for free!</a>

131: Bloom Where You’re Planted

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