Road in Retirement

  Pressing On I am following a road in retirement, now joined by my husband, but I have to say that it's more like a chase. I love this verse that I memorized a long time ago while in college in Platteville, Wisconsin: "I have not obtained the ultimate prize yet [a new resurrected heavenly body], nor am I perfect, but I press on for the goal, for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:12)." I am pressing on and chasing a new life in heaven with Christ, but the process involves continuing what good mission, what good times with friends and family I can still experience here on earth. Chasing that upward prize is a worthy quest on my road and time is of the essence. The Chase I have been chasing a dream since I was a young girl to get out of the house, love my friends, get an education, and live a meaningful life. Falling in love with God, marrying Chris, having children, helping high school kids succeed, all became part of the "upward"...

Hagar Is Seen In the book of Genesis chapter 16 there’s an account of Abram's wife Sarai and her maid having a spat about childbearing. Sarai was promised a son for Abram by God but at this point in the story she was closing in on 90 and still childless. In her impatience she arranges for her much younger maid Hagar to have relations with Abraham and Hagar becomes pregnant. Sarai regrets that decision and starts treating Hagar harshly with disdain. In abject despair and fear, Hagar flees into the Mideast desert alone, afraid, pregnant and without hope; until. This is where you and I can get involved in the story because God is all knowing; and sees everything. An angel appears to Hagar, consoles her, tells her she will have a son named Ishmael, and he would be blessed greatly. But first she must return to Sarai and serve her respectfully. Hagar is amazed that “God sees.” Looking Ahead of Us In my struggle on this road in retirement with Parkinson’s, I must remind myself often that ...