Are you approaching retirement but still feel called to more?

In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson sits down with Beverly Smith, a Faith-Driven Executive Résumé Writer and Job Search Strategist, to break down the myths surrounding retirement and explore what it looks like to finish well before or after retirement.

Together, we talk about:
✨ Why retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning
✨ How to overcome age bias with confidence and clarity
✨ Ways to align work, calling, and God-given purpose in this season
✨ Practical tools for transitioning into meaningful work or service
✨ The importance of volunteering, documenting your impact, and staying engaged
✨ Real stories of believers living passionately in their “best season” of life.

Whether you’re considering part-time work, exploring a new career direction, or simply seeking God’s peace and purpose, this conversation will encourage you to trust the path He’s placing before you.

Quotes from the show:
"I will not sit here and tell you that there are not people that do have an age bias. There are. Those are not the places that you're gonna be working...that's a door God's closed for you. But I think so many people have bought into that lie that they're afraid and they're just like, 'I have to stay stuck until then, and I have to work until 62, 65, 70, whatever that magic number is in this role, and I can't do it any other way.' And I'm just here to tell you that you can (find other work)." Beverly

"I lived my, my whole adult life, you know, checking off all the boxes, but I never really understood what it meant to just surrender and trust Him (God) with everything, including my work." Vona

Scripture:
"And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus."
Philippians 4:19 NLT

Email Beverly: beverly@cssar.com
Connect on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/beverlydsmith/
Download Beverly's Free Guide: 3 Steps to Reinvent Your Career at Any Age.

Download Vona's Free Finish Well QuickStart guide.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: Embracing a New Chapter
00:52 Meet Beverly Smith: Transitioning with Purpose
02:10 Overcoming Age Bias and Finding Fulfillment
04:47 Aligning Your Work with God's Call
08:54 Practical Steps for Career Transition
15:24 The Importance of Volunteering and Documentation
22:02 Redefining Retirement: Finding Joy and Purpose
30:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore!

Have you ever watched someone you love drift off the path you thought God had for them? It’s painful—but it doesn’t mean their story is over.

In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson shares insight from Scripture and personal experience about what it means to trust God’s plan when life doesn’t look the way you expected. Discover how to walk in peace, even when others take detours, and how God can use every path—straight or winding—for His glory.

✨ In this episode:
Why detours and delays don’t mean God’s plan has failed
How to release control and rest in His timing

The hope found in Isaiah 15:20—"Whether you turn to the right or to the left, you will hear a voice behind you saying, ‘This is the way: walk in it'.”

If you’ve ever asked, “Did I miss God’s direction?” or worried that someone you love has, this episode will remind you that His light still leads the way.

🔗 Listen now and be encouraged to Trust the Path.

00:00 Introduction: A Heartfelt Concern
00:34 Facing Life's Detours
01:04 A Personal Anecdote: Navigating Challenges
02:41 The Struggle of Faith and Love
04:05 Encouragement and Hope
04:38 Trusting in God's Guidance
06:25 Conclusion: Keep Praying and Loving

#CourageousRetirement #FaithJourney #TrustGod #ChristianLiving #FinishWell #LiveYourMore #FaithJourney #LongingForMore #LiveYourMore #ItsNeverToo

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

When was the last time you checked your spiritual compass? It might be time to wake up your faith and walk in God’s direction again.

Have you ever realized you’ve been going through the motions—doing all the right things but missing the deeper purpose behind them? In this heartfelt episode, Vona shares a personal story that reminds us how easy it is to drift from God’s will without even noticing. She explores how to live intentionally, discern truth in a confusing world, and walk boldly in faith—no matter what season you’re in.

You’ll also hear practical ways to recognize false teachings, avoid spiritual complacency, and anchor your heart in gratitude through Vona’s 30-Day Thanksgiving Challenge. It’s a gentle but powerful invitation to wake up your faith and live each day with eternal purpose.

00:00 Living on Autopilot: A Wake-Up Call
00:46 A Humbling Experience at Walmart
02:00 Struggling with Purpose and Passion
03:20 Navigating Social Media and Faith
06:39 The Importance of Discernment
10:20 Understanding Hypocrisy
17:19 A Challenge for Thankfulness
19:32 Conclusion and Invitation to Club More

Quotes from the Show:
 "Do I still love people who sin? Of course I do. We all sin and we all need to embrace people wherever they are and love them where they are unconditionally. But that doesn't mean that we celebrate their sins with them. We walk with them and we encourage them to turn to Christ. To help them with their problems. We don't have to fix anybody." Vona Johnson

 "We are often distracted by earthly needs and overlook the fact that false teachings are all around us. God invites us to spend time in his Word, learning his promises by heart, so that we will recognize false teachings." Vona Johnson

"Don't think for a minute that if Solomon, the wisest man on earth, can't avoid falling for false prophets, that you'll be immune to them. Many people endeavor to lead us down the path that God did not intend for us." Vona Johnson

Verses Referenced:
 Matthew 16:5-12 where Jesus said to the disciples to beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and the Sadducees.

Luke 12: 1-2+ where Jesus talks about hipocricy.

 "Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people's faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them. Such people are not serving Christ our Lord. They're serving their own personal interests. By smooth talk and glowing words, they deceive innocent people." Romans 16:17-18 NLT

"Rejoice always, pray continually. Give thanks In all circumstances for this is God's will for you in Christ. That give thanks in all circumstances."  
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Join ClubMore! https://www.clubmore.live

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

Retirement isn’t just about making your money last — it’s about making your life count.

In this special Courageous Retirement episode, host Vona Johnson teams up with guest host Michael Fritzius to co-lead a dynamic panel featuring three experts in purpose, financial planning, and travel. Together, Dan Simon, Mike Perez, and Amanda Hietter discuss how retirement can become your most meaningful, adventurous, and faith-filled season yet.

Throughout the conversation you will discover how to:
~Overcome fear and uncertainty about what’s next
~ Balance financial security with legacy and generosity
~ Embrace travel as a pathway to growth and connection
~ Find (or rediscover) your God-given calling in this new chapter

If you’re ready to dream big, live intentionally, and finish well, this conversation will inspire you to answer God’s call to MORE—and step confidently into your Best Season with confidence and purpose.

Whether you’re approaching retirement or already in it, this conversation will help you rethink what’s possible. Explore faith-based retirement planning, finding purpose beyond work, and living out God’s call to MORE in your best season yet.

Episode Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Retirement Fears and Purpose
00:24 Panel Discussion: Exploring Retirement Beyond Finances
01:30 Meet the Panelists: Amanda, Mike, and Dan
03:51 Addressing Fear and Uncertainty in Retirement
06:45 Building Community and Thriving in Retirement
14:00 Dreaming Big and Planning for Retirement
18:37 Creating a Legacy Through Travel and Experiences
26:11 Integrating Spiritual Calling in Retirement
31:57 Seeking Clarity in Financial Decisions
32:37 The Importance of Intentionality and Structure
34:39 Guarding Against Aimlessness in Retirement
38:39 Transformative Power of Travel in Retirement
40:05 Creative Travel Ideas for a Purposeful Retirement
41:26 Financial Planning for Stress-Free Travel
42:57 Discovering Your God-Given Calling
46:36 Influencing and Serving Without a Title
47:58 Five Pillars of a Faith-Driven Retirement
50:46 Defining a Financial Finish Line
52:44 Shifting Retirement Outlook with Biblical Principles
55:32 Legacy and Daily Decisions
56:37 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

Quotes:
" And it's very important for me that everything is buttoned up at the end. And I've lived a life that I will be remembered for the things that I wanna be remembered for." Mike Perez

" The underlying question is this: when is enough enough?" Mike Perez

" You continue to influence and serve by continuing to serve the people and be of value to the people that God puts in front of you." Dan Simon

" A lot of people forget about the fact where you can have that fun, (with) what we call personal travel, but then incorporate in some kind of ministry or missions while you're there to give back to the community. And that is a way really to honor God through your retirement." Amanda Heitter

" It's never too early to start f

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

Is This YOUR Turning Point?

Are you truly living out your purpose and showing love to others, as Jesus commanded in Luke 10:27?

In this episode, we take a closer look at the Great Commission’s call to make disciples (Matthew 28:19) in a world filled with diverse and often conflicting beliefs.

Our culture’s “you do you” mentality can easily pull us away from God’s truth and the foundation of our Christian faith. Too often, we slip into going through the motions—tolerating false doctrines, compromising with immorality, and losing sight of God’s call.

By looking at Jesus’ example—loving deeply yet calling people to repentance—we can learn how to remain strong and prepared for life’s challenges. Through consistent prayer, grounding ourselves in Scripture, and relying on the Holy Spirit, we can live out the purpose God designed for us—even when it feels like we’ve headed off the path.

Chapters
00:00 The Great Paradox of Life
08:40 Challenges of Diverse Beliefs
09:19 Straying from Faith
10:07 Jesus’ Example of Love
10:32 Staying Connected to Jesus
10:43 Scripture as Our Roadmap

🙏 If this message encourages you, please like, share, and subscribe. And if you know someone who may be at their own turning point, send this episode their way. Together, let’s keep choosing God’s path and answering His call to MORE.

Quote:
 "If you haven't spent time in the Bible lately, I hope that this will be your turning point because to me, the Bible and prayer is truly the turning point that changes everything for us. It changed everything for me when I started committing to and spending time in the Word." Vona Johnson

Scripture referenced:

You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your strength, and all your mind.’ And, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
Luke 10:27

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19 NLT (Note this verse was given the incorrect location in the recording; I said Matthew 28:11 in error. Please accept my apologies for any confusion.)

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

Living with or caring for someone with dementia is one of life’s hardest journeys—but also one filled with moments of unexpected grace. In this episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson sits down with chaplain Ben Boland to share stories of faith, love, and loss after both recently walking with their fathers through dementia.

Together, they discuss:
✅ Recognizing early signs of dementia
✅ Finding peace and strength as a caregiver
✅ Why Christians view suffering, life, and death differently than the world
✅ The comfort of knowing our value is in God, not our abilities

Whether you are caregiving, grieving, or walking alongside someone with dementia, this heartfelt conversation offers encouragement and hope.

00:00 Introduction to Dementia
00:18 Meet the Guest: Ben Boland
00:48 Courageous Retirement Podcast
01:04 Personal Stories and Experiences
02:03 Challenges Faced by Dementia Patients
05:31 Recognizing Early Signs of Dementia
11:38 The Importance of Family Support
15:28 Self-Care for Caregivers
18:08 Ben Boland's Journey
19:25 Bible College Beginnings
20:07 Passion for Elderly Care
20:26 Finding Resources and Connections
21:09 The Christian Perspective on Euthanasia
25:58 Faith and Dementia
29:26 Personal Reflections on Faith
30:30 Concluding Thoughts and Reflections
34:45 A Personal Loss and Reflection
35:51 The Purpose of Prayer
38:29 Final Thoughts on Dementia and Faith

📌 Subscribe for more episodes of Courageous Retirement and discover how to finish well and live your MORE with God at the center.

#DementiaCare #FaithInDementia #courageousretirement

Quotes from the show:
"We are created by God, and wherever we are alive, we are called to be valued there." Ben Boland

"Becoming a Christian is not simply a cognitive exercise. It's a work of God, and spirit speaks to spirit, and God saves people living with dementia and...
Praise the Lord!" Ben Boland

" People living with dementia are loved by God and we are called to love them too." Ben Boland

Scripture:
Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 NLT

Connect with Ben: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rev-ben-boland-b4572a108

Order Ben's book titled 'Priceless People: Loving Older People and People Living with Dementia'
https://amzn.to/3JUZW4p

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

Are you struggling to find meaning and support during tough times?

In this heartfelt episode of 'Courageous Retirement,' host Vona Johnson discusses the profound impact of words and the importance of acknowledging our emotions. Sharing personal stories from her father's recent passing, Vona emphasizes the necessity of community and the power of expressing genuine feelings.

Explore how encouragement and spiritual faith can transform grief into a journey of purpose and fulfillment.

Watch for future episodes for more insightful discussions on life's inevitable transitions and upcoming events focused on raising and mentoring children so they have a lifelong trust in God.

00:00 The Power of Words
00:33 Coping with Loss: A Personal Story
01:22 It's Okay to Not Be Okay
03:15 The Importance of Community and Support
06:11 Upcoming Episodes and Future Plans
07:32 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

Quotes from Vona:
"And then one day I just realized that I needed to listen to my own words and that it was okay to not be okay."

"And I feel like that's what that service (the funeral) did for me. It put my heart back together and it's just so full and so much lighter."

"... freely share those encouraging words because you have no idea the impact that they will make."

Watch the celebration and learn about the power of words: https://www.hdezwebcast.com/video/71288

Check out my books @ https://www.amazon.com/s?k=vona+johnson

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live

What does it really cost to step into a retirement that honors God?

In this episode of Courageous Retirement, host Vona Johnson invites you to look beyond bank accounts and bucket lists to discover what truly matters when leaving the working world behind.

Drawing from the story of Zacchaeus, Vona shows how even the most unlikely people can find acceptance, transformation, and purpose in Jesus. She opens up about her own shift from chasing worldly success to pursuing the deeper joy that comes from walking in God’s calling.

You’ll come away challenged to build your retirement on the unshakable foundation of Christ—and inspired to live with eternal purpose, no matter your age or stage.

Plus, hear about a free virtual event on August 27, 2025, to help you prepare for a retirement that’s more than the money.

00:00 Introduction: Contemplating Retirement
01:05 Counting the Cost: Biblical Foundations
02:32 Lessons from Zacchaeus: Embracing Change
04:43 Facing Modern Challenges: Faith in Action
05:53 Invitation: More Than the Money
06:46 Personal Story: The Success Shift
10:00 Conclusion: Finding True Joy

Quotes:
 Regardless of where He might be leading you in this season, I encourage you to count the cost before you embark on this beautiful season of life.

 Jesus doesn't want us to just hear about salvation and the life that we can have with him. He wants us to live out that life. He wants us to live out our biblical purpose like Zacchaeus. God wants us to have a change of heart and a change of behavior.

Scripture References:
Counting the Cost Luke 14:28-30
Story of Zacchaeus Luke 19
Building on a Solid Foundation Luke 6:46
Warning to the Rich James 5:1-3

Reach out to me or check back for information on how to register for the More than the Money Event.

I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message!

Thank you for stopping by today! Remember to Engage Your Faith and Live Your More as you reap the benefits of Courageous Retirement!

To watch the video, check out my YouTube Channel!

Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com!

Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona.

Join ClubMore @ clubmore.live