Tag: work

Back to Retirement

Since November of 2023 I have been working as interim Clinic Manager at the medical clinic where I used to work for 26 years.  The current manager was moving to Iowa so the board asked me to come in as interim.  The end of March an in house employee was hired to take the manager position and I was free to pursue our time in April at Alert Academy.  Since I was back last week I went in to answer a few questions and I think I am free to head back into retirement.  I have a long list of projects to accomplish. 

“Do not grow old, no matter how long you live.  Never cease to stand like curious children before the great mystery into which we were born.” 

-Albert Einstein

It was great to be back for a few months and visit with former co-workers and all of our precious patients.  It is a big job though and there are a lot of projects going on right now.  We are trying to get a dental clinic up and running along with the medical and behavioral clinics we already have.  We are working to expand space in the clinic, get the mobile van on the road more, and have several grant opportunities before us.  It is a relief to hand the keys over to someone younger with more energy. 

“The trouble with retirement is that you never get a day off.”

-Abe Lemons

Look out retirement, here I come back!  It is a bit of an adjustment after five months of working again and a month in Texas.  I couldn’t believe how tired I was after spending a day on the job.  It hasn’t been a breeze here at home either as the Farmer and I have some projects we’ve completed around the homestead.  We had to replace some guttering on the house and a skylight on the Morton building.  I decided that I had to paint some steel siding on the garage and the house where some paint was flaking off.  All of this damage was due to a hail storm last September. 

“Retire from work, but not from life.”

-M.K. Soni

I even had some time for Cousin Camp 2024, but that is another story. 

Mission Accomplished

Exhausted and Amazed

So many times in the Word of God there is a problem solved by two words: But God!  Following are some scriptures that show many times the changes that happen when God intervenes.  

“My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” – Psalm 73:26

And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him.” – Acts 7:9

But God raised him from the dead.  Acts 13:30

but God shows his love for us in that while we were sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8

For if the inheritance comes by the law, it no longer comes by promise; but God gave it to Abraham by a promise.” – Galatians 3:18

But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved” – Ephesians 2:4-5

Indeed he was ill, near to death. But God had mercy on him, and not only him but on me also, lest I should have sorrow upon sorrow.” – Philippians 2:27

But God are two gloriously pivotal words upon which everything in life turns from death to life, sin to salvation, and hopelessness to eternal joy.

This assignment in Floyd, IA at Cedar Springs Camp was a big task for four people and we did not think it was possible for us to complete that task. But God had other plans! In His great wisdom he helped us to do something bigger than all our dreams. It was something bigger than was possible for us without Him. Of course our leaders, Jim and Cathy Fry were excellent leaders and had a good plan from day one. We were also thankful that they were younger and stronger. When my brother saw the pictures of this finished project he said, “I’m sure you saved all the high work for yourself!” Brothers!! They know us too well. He knows I don’t like ladders. But I did do ladders this month but I didn’t do the really high ones.

It was a great advantage to us and blessing that the directors here were so helpful with supplies and encouragement.  Brian Goode and his sweet family moved to Texas the last weekend of our work here.  He took tremendous care of us and went the extra mile.  He made steaks for us, took us out to eat and gave us gift cards.  We were sure treated like royalty and we would highly recommend this camp to all SOWER  couples.  

Jim and Cathy Fry also fed us well as we had pork nachos one night, chicken cooked in their air fryer and many nights of fires and games. We have made real friends with them and it is our desire to work with them again in the future. They’re farmers too and most importantly have ran a Home for Boys for many years. They sure knew how to make the Farmer and I tow the line! Jim always said work is spelled FUN!

Our thankful and grateful hearts are so full. But for God this project would not be completed. I’m so thankful His Word says in Philippians 1:6 And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.