I found out last Monday that a friend and mentor passed away. He was the author of a book I used for my seminary thesis. The book is "A Vision For the Aging Church" by Dr, Michael Parker and Dr. James Houston. It is a great book for church leaders and anyone interested in honoring Older Adults through faithful worship and all of life. It is truly inspiring.
However, it is focused on theory more than practicality. When I began Winter Grace Senior Ministries in 2017, I was looking for practicality and one footnote in this book came to mind. There was going to be a handbook written that was going to be just what I was looking for. So, I searched for it. I even reached out to Dr. Parker and asked about it. To my surprise, he got in touch with me fairly quickly.
As it turned out, the book did not yet exist. It was in progress. To my surprise and delight, Mike asked me to write one of the appendices for the book. Truly, what an honor! The book was published in 2024.
This email exchange began a friendship and mentorship that I treasure so deeply. Dr. Parker, Mike as I know him now, was so excited to share his vision, his mission, his story. He invited me along. He helped me shape my vision, respected and was enthusiastic about my calling and ministry, and wanted to help me in any way that he could. I am so thankful I sent that email that I was certain would never be responded to. As my mom would say, "That God is something." He truly is!
Mike, along with Dr. Houston and a group of faith-filled, knowledgeable, and dedicated professionals, have come together to create a program, BeAgeReady.com, that walks older adults and their families through a process of preparing well for aging, aging well, and facing what comes after this life. It is broken into four different areas of life. Then several tasks are listed in each area, and then how to handle each of them. Mike was all about evidence-based research, trials, and studies. He was also a deeply committed Christian man, who loved his family and his country. Here is the link to his obituary. Read about him. You will be glad you did. Michael Parker Obituary (09/28/1947 - 12/26/2025) - Birmingham, AL - AL.com (Birmingham)
It is not a coincidence that when I set up my writing plan for posts for Aging Vibrantly, that this week's Faithful and Flourishing post was to be about Jeremiah 29:11. Just like Leroy Jethro Gibbs from NCIS, I do not believe in coincidences merely being random. Rule 39 always applies: There are no such things as coincidences.
I had a pastor once, Rev. Dennis Lipke, who preached about how God will speak to you in quiet whispers. If you don't respond He will whisper more. However, you may want to listen before He gets out the 2'x4". In that sermon so many years ago, as I sat in that sanctuary at Chestnut Memorial UMC in Newport News, VA, I knew Dennis and God were speaking to me about ordained ministry. It only took me about 17 more years to become ordained. Today, thinking about Mike and giving thanks for his life and his impact on mine, I would be pretty dense to not feel that 2"x4" coming awfully close. Debbie, God gave you a purpose. Do it! Don't wait 17 more years.
Winter Grace Senior Ministries was established in 2017. Well, here we are 9 years later and its mission is yet to be fulfilled. Oh, it has been chipped away at. It has made progress. but there is much to be done. My ideas of how Winter Grace will fulfill its vision has changed a good bit. But, the vision and the mission remain. The mission is to, “Empower and Enrich the Lives of Older Adults Through Christian Initiatives, Connecting People, Ideas, and Resources."
But the VISION is that there will be, "a vibrant network of intentional, holistic, Older Adult Ministries that enrich and empower the lives of Older Adults, and their families with opportunities and information that help each day be filled with the joy of Christ, living life to the full."
The time is now! If not now, when? Aging Vibrantly will be working in collaboration with Winter Grace Senior Ministries wholeheartedly! Aging Vibrantly will be supporting the mission set forth when I first invited about 25 people whom I respected and trusted to that first meeting on a lovely February day in 2017 to get on board with Winter Grace. It will all be official, legal, and they will be separate entities, operating separately. Yes, you need to make sure of that when it comes to non-profit entities. The point is, WGSM will extend their reach, supporting congregations who endeavor to serve Older Adults, and Aging Vibrantly will support individuals with living
With that, let's see how Jeremiah 29:11 may be speaking to you about your dreams, God's plans, and what comes next!
Scripture Focus: Jeremiah 29:11
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." – Jeremiah 29:11
🌱 A Hopeful Promise
Life has a way of diverting us from the dreams and goals we once held dear. Perhaps a career ambition, a ministry calling, or a personal goal quietly slipped into the background while daily responsibilities took center stage. Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s plans for us are not over, even when life feels like it’s moved on without them. He is still orchestrating a future filled with hope, and He invites us to step back into His calling for our lives.
💭 Revisiting Forgotten Dreams
Take a moment to consider: what dream or goal have you set aside? Maybe it was something you felt too inexperienced, too busy, or too uncertain to pursue. God may still be calling you to it—not for your own glory, but to reflect His purposes and bring joy to your heart. Just as He promised hope and a future to the Israelites in exile, He promises guidance and new beginnings for us today.
✨ One Small Step Forward
Dreams don’t always return all at once—they often come back in whispers, nudges, or small opportunities. Choose one small action you can take this week toward revisiting that goal:
- Write a paragraph outlining your dream.
- Reach out to someone who has experience in that area.
- Pray specifically for guidance and clarity on your next step.
- Dedicate ten minutes a day to work on a forgotten project or skill.
Even a tiny step signals your willingness to cooperate with God’s plan. Over time, these steps become the path that leads back to hope and a renewed future.
🙏 Anchored in Faith
Remember, pursuing a dream with God isn’t about rushing or achieving on our own timeline. It’s about trusting Him to guide, open doors, and empower your efforts. As you move forward, remain grounded in prayer and Scripture, seeking His wisdom with each decision.
Reflection Question:
Which forgotten dream is God calling you toward, and what one small step can you take today to move in that direction?
Which forgotten dream is God calling you toward, and what one small step can you take today to move in that direction?
Faith Tip: God delights in our obedience, even in small acts of faith. Begin where you are, trust Him with the process, and watch how He restores hope and shapes your future in ways beyond what you imagined.
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