Posts tagged retirement perspectives
145: “The First Time I Retired...”

What do you do when you’re ready to retire—but God clearly says “not yet”? 

Julé Colvin, founder of Pathways to Growth, joins Jim and Martha to share her story of obedience, purpose, and preparation in her “retirement” years. After building a company that supports nonprofits through grant writing and leadership development, Julé sensed it was time to step back—until God asked her to stay and steward the legacy a little longer. 

In this heartfelt conversation, Julé opens up about coming to faith through a coworker’s example, how she sees her business as a Kingdom ministry, and the spiritual and strategic work of raising up leaders to carry the mission forward. 

Whether you're approaching retirement, rethinking what it means, or wondering how to multiply your impact in your later years, this episode will meet you right where you are. 

In This Episode You’ll Hear: 

  • How Julé came to know Jesus because of someone who “Worked4Him” 

  • What it looked like to take a year studying Scripture to rebuild the company as a Kingdom business 

  • Why she believes retirement is more about redirection than release 

  • The importance of discipling your team before transitioning out 

  • Why she and her husband moved into a 55+ community as a missional decision 

  • How she’s preparing for what’s next—and leaving room for a second (or third) retirement 

  • Why “writing the vision” matters in the second half of life 

 

Scriptures Highlighted: 

  • Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." (think about this in terms of trust during your retirement years) 

  • Psalm 92:12–15 – "The righteous will flourish like a palm tree, they will grow like a cedar of Lebanon; planted in the house of the Lord, they will flourish in the courts of our God. They will still bear fruit in old age, they will stay fresh and green, proclaiming, ‘The Lord is upright; He is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in Him.’" 

Books Mentioned to Add to Your Reading List: 

FEATURING: Julé Colvin 

ORGANIZATION: Pathways to Growth  

144: The Two Shall Retire As One

What happens when both spouses retire—and suddenly share the same space, time, and rhythm every day? 

In this fun and down-to-earth episode of iRetire4Him, Jim and Martha welcome Rodney and Donna Smith to talk candidly about their first few months navigating retirement together. The Smiths explore how they’ve adjusted to being home at the same time, what it looks like to merge their different daily habits, and how they're slowly easing into volunteering and serving others. They also highlight the importance of communication, separate time, and letting go of rigid expectations. 

Whether you’re already retired or thinking about what’s next, this episode offers encouragement, humor, and practical wisdom for couples who want to walk through this season with grace—and a little bit of fun! 

In this episode: 

  • How men and women often experience retirement differently 

  • The unexpected adjustments of sharing the same space full-time 

  • Starting (and restarting) retirement goals like volunteering and fitness 

  • The power of routines, rest, and giving each other room 

  • Why flexibility and friendship matter more than a perfect plan 

FEATURING: Rodney & Donna Smith 

MINISTRY: Caregiver, Church and Community Volunteers

143: Retirement – His Side of the Story

Retirement can be a radical shift—especially for those of us who’ve spent decades with a full calendar, steady routine, and career identity. In this episode of iRetire4Him, we sit down with Rodney Smith, a recently retired wildland firefighter and forester with over 33 years of service. Rodney reflects on the early days of his retirement, the transition from government work to community involvement, and what it’s really like joining his already-retired wife at home. 

Rodney shares candidly about: 

  • The calling that shaped his career and continues to guide his retirement 

  • What it was like cutting down the U.S. Capitol Christmas tree in 2022 

  • His new role in serving family, church, and community 

  • The surprise challenges of adapting to his wife’s well-established routine 

  • Why he’s approaching retirement as a time for deeper purpose, not just rest 

Whether you’re preparing to retire or already navigating your own post-career season, this episode offers both humor and hope. Rodney’s story reminds us that retirement isn’t an end—it’s a shift into meaningful new beginnings. 

Be sure to tune in next week to hear Rodney and Donna’s joint interview! 

Connect with iRetire4Him: 

FEATURING: Rodney Smith

MINISTRY: Caregiver, Church and Community Volunteer 

142: A Woman’s Work is Never Done!

In this episode of iRetire4Him, Jim and Martha Brangenberg connect with Donna Smith of Asheboro, North Carolina, for a candid and encouraging conversation about what retirement looks like from a woman’s point of view. Donna shares how her faith journey was rekindled through her relationship with her husband Rodney, how caregiving has shaped her early retirement years, and what she’s learning as she navigates this new chapter of life. 

Whether you're approaching retirement or already in it, Donna’s story offers relatable insight, practical encouragement, and a gentle reminder that retirement is not an end—it’s a beginning. 

What You’ll Hear in This Episode: 

  • How Donna’s retirement began sooner than expected and why the timing turned out to be divine 

  • The powerful influence of faith, family, and community in shaping her retirement years 

  • What she discovered while organizing a women’s small group using the iRetire4Him study 

  • Her favorite reminders: “If you have a pulse, you have a purpose” and “If you’re not dead, you’re not done” 

  • A lighthearted look at how retirement routines change when both spouses are home 

Resources Mentioned: 

A Word of Encouragement: 

Retirement isn’t about slowing down—it’s about shifting focus. Whether you’re helping aging parents, encouraging a neighbor, or simply sitting on the porch with your spouse, give purpose to every moment. 

Connect With Us: 

  • Interested in bringing Jim and Martha to speak to your church or community retiree group? Email Jim@iwork4him.com for details. 

  • Sign up to start getting the iRetire4Him Newsletter 

FEATURING: Donna Smith

MINISTRY: Caregiver, Church and Community Volunteer