Second Half Now

There are a lot of things we want to do when we’re in the second half of life. We have different opportunities and can make different choices than when we were raising a family or working hard at an occupation or career. Some of the things that needed our time and attention before, don’t need so much now. Now we can focus on a different set of things: travel, time with the grandkids, volunteering, service projects, short-term mission trips, church activities, things that matter to us in this phase of life. But we’ll face serious obstacles if we aren’t healthy, physically and spiritually. Here are some unexpected resources you may not know about.

If you are over 50 and married, how is it going? There are some challenges we face at this age and stage that might be a whole different from the ones we have faced earlier. And, truth be told, some of the old challenges are still hanging around because we didn’t want to face them, or didn’t know what to do about them. Whether you’re really struggling, or just realize there’s room for improvement, you’ll want to be sure to catch this program.

Are you an organized person? You probably know some who are, and some who aren’t. We can even chuckle about some who are very organized, and some who are very unorganized. How about you? Where are you on the scale? Is it funny? Is it important? If you would like to be more organized than you are, what are your reasons? And what would happen if you were able to bring more organization into your life? Need a little help? This show will give you a place to start.

We all know how important it is to protect our family. That’s just part of our job, and we are committed to doing whatever we can to shield family members from harm and danger. Some of us go to great lengths to make sure our family is safe and protected. But there is one important area that many of us ignore or avoid. What is that one important area, and what can we do right away to spare our loved ones financial and emotional hardship?

One of the biggest challenges we face in our Christian walk, is our relationship with what God has given us: our time, talent, and treasure. How are you doing with that? Need some straight talk about stewardship? The Bible says we will give an account for how we manage what God has entrusted to our care. It’s probably time for a fresh look at how to use all of our resources for His purposes. God wants something for us more than He wants something from us, and He promises great joy as we follow His plan.

Your current health status is a direct result of the habits and patterns you have been living the past 50-plus years. So, how are you feeling? Dealing with any health issues that you wish you could get control of? Is it too late to make changes and get better results? And what’s the point of getting older if you don’t have your health? Hear the five Essential Elements of healthy living, and what you can do now to make a difference.

They say everyone wants to live a long life, but no one wants to get old. And who wants to live long if you don’t have your health? The truth is that aging brings on serious health challenges: physical and mental. If you’re over 50, you need to hear our next guest talking about the all-important vascular system. What can you do now to increase your chances of being healthy as you get older?

Where do people go when they are having a tough time providing food, clothing, and medical care for themselves or their family? These are such basic human needs, and many people in our area are struggling with these things. Where do they go? One place they go is Portland Adventist Community Services. Hear about this great organization, who they serve and how. Also, learn how you could get involved.

What would happen if public school principals and local church pastors got together to discuss how they can serve the families of their neighborhoods together. We don’t have to wonder anymore, because that is exactly what’s happening. And where is this taking place? Right here in the Portland Metro Area: the most unchurched region in the nation. Hear what’s been happening, and what’s coming next.

You’ve heard it said, “It’s all in your head!” Well, maybe it is! What about those fears, worries, habits, anxieties, and bad attitudes? Truth is, you don’t have to continue to live with them. You have more power over those negatives in your life than you ever thought possible. The quality of your life will increase dramatically when you learn to harness the power of your most important ally: your brain.

Some people have gone on a short-term mission trip far from home. These are usually eye-opening, rewarding, memorable, even life-changing. How about a long-term mission trip . . . without travelling far? That’s right, your place of work! Do you know that you are called to be salt and light wherever you are? To be a difference-maker, simply by living out your Christian faith on a daily basis? You probably know that, but maybe you need a reminder, or you’re not sure how. This discussion will challenge and encourage you!

Many Boomers and Beyonders are business owners, many others plan to be, and many others are thinking about it.  It’s not easy to make it in business these days, so we need all the help we can get.  And some of that help may come from places we didn’t expect.  SBA resources are available to all small business owners, including help with access to capital, business plans, sales and marketing, mentors, HR, and more.  Lots available, and much of it at no charge.

It’s been pretty tough in the housing market the past several years, affecting everything having to do with the real estate and mortgage industries.  But it’s a new day!  Many changes have taken place, and most of them for the better.  How can folks in the 50-plus stage of life take advantage of these changes, and what do they need to know?  “Dan the Mortgage Man” (Summerfeldt) shares his expertise.  Hear the good news here!

Boomers and Beyonders are uniquely positioned in life to use all their experience, training, wisdom, and maturity to hear God’s calling to serve others and to live a purposeful and productive life. This is the life that matters. Now is the time be God’s blessing in ways that are important to you. Carl shares how it is not only possible to do that in this stage of life, but it is necessary.

Valerie is the daughter of Jim and Elisabeth Elliot, who’s efforts to reach the Auca Indian tribe in the Amazon jungle of Ecuador, is one of the best known missionary stories of our time. After Jim was martyred, Elisabeth gained acceptance into the otherwise hostile tribe, and lived among them with her daughter Valerie for several years. After all these years, what does Valerie say about her mom’s life and faith, in the jungle and beyond? Growing up as Valerie’s daughter and Elisabeth’s granddaughter, how did Christiana receive the heritage of faith, family, and Christian convictions from the women in her life? Hear the power of example, discipline, and joyful Christian living in this warm tribute to her mother and grandmother.

This is a hot topic for Boomers and Beyonders.  What is the right size house to accommodate our new phase in life?  Do we need all this space?  What about all the maintenance?  Can we save money by making the transition to a smaller home?  Will a move help us focus on what means a lot to us now?  There is lots to consider.  Downsizing is not for every for everyone, but for those who are giving it some thought, here are some valuable insights.

James is Executive Director of Serving Our Neighbor, and Maggie is Sponsor Coordinator for Second Half Now. They discuss how the program sponsors help with the mission of the show to energize and equip Boomers and Beyonders for purposeful and productive living. They also explain the significant exposure sponsors receive as they offer their products and services to a generation is looking for value and integrity in all areas of their life.

The 50-plus generation is uniquely positioned to step up and get involved. And the world needs us now more than ever! What do we have to offer, what can we do, and why is it so important? If you are feeling restless, or want a more rewarding and fulfilling life, take a step forward and trust God to guide you. Start a ministry, or get involved in one that is already running. Here’s how...and why!

As an international ministry leader for many years, Don knows how to get people plugged in to rewarding and fruitful service. He has helped countless people find – and fulfill – meaningful positions of service that are uniquely suited for how God has shaped them. His recent book, “I Want To Make a Difference Now” is a call to take that step. Warning: you’ll never be the same!

There’s something unique and powerful when young children interact with seniors with various types and stages of dementia. Working a puzzle, painting a picture, reading a story, singing a song, or simply having lunch together, the magic happens every day at GenTog. This is a model of business and ministry that can be replicated by churches around the region. The results are amazing, the smiles are priceless.