Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE!

Vona Johnson
  • 5.0 (3)
  • CHRISTIANITY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Whether you're already retired, on the brink of retirement, or simply curious about the future, join us on this journey in Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE! Through insightful conversations, stories of courage and resilience, and practical wisdom rooted in biblical truth, Courageous Retirement will empower you to see this best season of life not as an end but as a beginning—a chance to boldly make a difference in a world that shuns God's truth. Join us and discover how to find fulfillment beyond the workplace and embrace a new chapter of purpose and impact.   Our host, Christian Retirement Coach Vona Johnson, is not just an author, speaker, and leader in her community. She is also a fellow retiree, sharing her personal journey and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Together with her guests, they illuminate how life becomes richer when you engage your faith, live out your true purpose, and leave a legacy of faith. Courageous Retirement will inspire you to Live Your More!You can find Courageous Retirement on YouTube, too! https://www.youtube.com/@vonajohnson/podcasts

  1. 1D AGO

    49. Unexpected Freedom: A Lesson About Life, Retirement, and Carrying Less

    Many of us carry more than we realize. Over time responsibilities, commitments, possessions, and expectations slowly fill our “backpack” until one day the weight begins to feel heavier than it should. In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona shares a recent personal experience simplifying her website—and the surprising freedom that came from letting go of something that had quietly become too heavy. Through this simple change, she discovered a deeper lesson about life, retirement, and the invitation Jesus offers in Matthew 11: "Come to me, all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest." Rest doesn’t mean giving up on the dreams God has placed on our hearts. It means releasing the stress of carrying what was never meant to be ours or was never meant to be a burden forever. If you're entering your best season of life, this episode may inspire you to take a look inside your own backpack and ask a simple question:  What might God be inviting you to simplify? 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!  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!

    7 min

  2. MAR 26

    48. Are You Chasing Purpose…or Living Your MORE?

    Many people love the quote often attributed to Mark Twain: “The two most important days in your life are the day you are born and the day you find out why.” But what if, in our search for that “why,” we’ve been looking in the wrong direction? In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona explores the tension between chasing purpose the world’s way and following God’s calling. It’s easy to get caught up pursuing bigger numbers, more recognition, or the next opportunity that promises influence or success. But those pursuits can quietly pull us away from the people and callings God has already placed in our lives. Vona shares a personal story about stepping back from the pressure to strive for more clients and more listeners—and what that experience revealed about the difference between chasing and trusting God. If you’ve ever wondered what your purpose looks like in retirement, this episode invites you to pause and ask a deeper question: Are you chasing the world’s definition of purpose… or are you faithfully following Jesus? Because finishing well may not be about doing more. It may be about finally learning to live your MORE. Questions for Reflection: When you think about purpose in this season of life, do you feel more like you are chasing something or following where God is leading?Where in your life might you be measuring success by numbers, recognition, or productivity instead of faithfulness?Is there an area where striving or chasing has begun to crowd out the people or callings God has already placed in front of you?What might it look like for you to listen more intentionally for God’s voice in this season of retirement?What is one simple step of obedience you sense God inviting you to take right now?If you stepped back from striving for a moment, where might you already see signs that God is inviting you to live your MORE?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!  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!

    5 min

  3. MAR 12

    47. Putting First Things First: A Christ-Centered Vision for Retirement

    What if the most important part of retirement planning has nothing to do with money? In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona sits down with certified financial planner and consultant Kevin Berwald to explore a different starting point for retirement: putting Christ first. Kevin shares why retirement is about far more than financial security, travel plans, or lifestyle goals. Instead, he encourages listeners to consider a deeper question: What is God’s purpose for this season of life? Together they talk about the foundation of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, the importance of being “born again,” and how life’s challenges often become the very places where God builds trust, faith, and lasting peace. Kevin also introduces his book Mission Retirement, which helps individuals create a personal retirement vision and mission statement focused on what truly matters—faith, relationships, health, stewardship, service, and legacy. This thoughtful conversation invites you to step back, seek God’s direction, and rethink what a truly courageous, purpose-filled retirement could look like. Quotes from Kevin:  "God will take you to the point where you can't handle it, so you have to turn to him."  "It's all about, it's always, always has been, always will be about God's will."  "Our courageous retirement is being courageous enough to let God do His thing and realize it's not about us. That's where the courage comes from sometimes is letting go." Verses referenced: “Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends." Revelations 3:20   "Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus." Philippians 4:7 Purchase the book, Mission Retirement Email Kevin: kevin@catalyst4growth.org Timestamp: 00:00 – Rethinking retirement: starting with purpose 01:05 – Why putting God first changes everything 02:44 – The foundation of being “born again” 04:28 – The question that matters most: Who is Jesus to you? 06:17 – When worldly success still feels empty 09:43 – A mother’s prayers and a journey back to faith 12:59 – How surrender often comes through life’s trials 16:09 – The Milky Way perspective: trusting God’s bigger plan 19:02 – Prayer as a relationship with God 21:13 – An Israel trip and learning to trust God more deeply 25:23 – Faith and perspective during global uncertainty 26:00 – Surprising church growth in Iran 27:50 – The idea of a purposeful retirement legacy 28:25 – “Did God really say?” and s 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!  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!

    51 min

  4. FEB 26

    46. When Is “Enough” Enough to Retire? Faith, Finances, and Courageous Retirement (with Mike Perez)

    When Is “Enough” Enough to Retire? Faith, Finances, and Courageous Retirement (with Mike Perez) How much is enough to retire? In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson sits down with Mike Perez, author of Faith and Finances, to tackle one of the most common fears facing retirement-age believers: What if I don’t have enough money saved? Together, they explore how retirement may require less than we assume—and how financial decisions become clearer when filtered through prayer, calling, and kingdom purpose. Mike shares his practical cash-flow framework, including his five-part “financial pie” (covering giving, taxes, debt, lifestyle, and investing), and introduces the concept of creating a personal financial “finish line.” This conversation goes beyond numbers. Vona and Mike talk about releasing the need to strive, trusting God with outcomes, and shifting from accumulation to impact. Mike shares the story of selling a second home after bathing the decision in prayer—gaining margin, increasing generosity, and expanding meaningful travel as a result. They also discuss: Viewing ROI through a kingdom lensLiving as faithful “seed planters” in everyday conversationsThe courage to step away from distractions (including social media during Lent)The power of community encouragementApproaching second-half-of-life transitions with flexibility and trustIf you’ve ever wondered whether you’re financially ready—or spiritually ready—for retirement, this episode will help you rethink “enough” through the lens of faith. Connect with Mike at MikePerezSpeaks.com for his book, workshops, speaking, and personal consultations. 00:00 When Is “Enough” Enough to Retire? 01:35 Letting Go of Striving in the Second Half 03:40 Understanding the Five-Part Financial “Pie” 05:45 Aligning Lifestyle Choices with God’s Calling 07:30 Selling the Lake House: A Prayerful Decision 09:40 Margin, Generosity, and New Freedom 11:55 Kingdom ROI vs. Performance-Based Thinking 14:30 Living as Faithful “Seed Planters” 16:45 Lent, Social Media, and Creating Margin 19:25 Small Acts of Faithful Impact 21:35 Presence Over Distraction 23:50 Taking Bold Steps (Including an Israel Trip Without Fear) 25:35 How to Connect with Mike Perez 27:35 Final Encouragement: Money, Faith, and Courageous Retirement Scriptures Referenced "And we know that God causes everything to work together[a] for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them."  Romans 8:28 NLT 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!  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!

    31 min

  5. FEB 12

    45. The Shift — When Less Is More

    Lately, I’ve sensed God inviting me into a shift — from striving to faithfulness. From doing more to loving more deliberately. In this episode of Courageous Retirement, I share how retirement created space for Scripture to speak more deeply into my life — and how Romans 10 and 1 Corinthians 13 reshaped the way I see this season. Retirement isn’t a winding down. It’s an invitation. An invitation to steward our time with eternity in mind. An invitation to reflect God’s love more intentionally. An invitation to finish well. As we approach Lent and consider what it means to quiet the noise, I also share a personal decision I’m prayerfully considering — and a gentle invitation for you, if you’ve been feeling that same nudge. If you’ve sensed God calling you to simplify, refocus, or live this season with deeper purpose, this episode is for you. Because sometimes, the most powerful shift is discovering that less truly is more. 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!  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!

    7 min

  6. JAN 29

    44. Living Your Best Life in Retirement: Lessons from Legos and Faith

    Living Your Best Life in Retirement: Lessons from Legos and Faith In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson shares an unexpected lesson learned while building Legos with her grandson—and how it beautifully mirrors the opportunity retirement offers us. By watching her grandson playing with legos, Vona reflects on what it means to “dump everything on the table,” reassess what we’ve built so far, and intentionally rebuild for the season ahead. Retirement, she reminds us, isn’t an ending—it’s an invitation to start fresh with purpose. Vona encourages listeners to thoughtfully use their God-given gifts and talents, while gently challenging the belief that our value is tied to income or productivity. With faith woven throughout, she invites retirees to trust God’s provision, seek His plan, and embrace retirement as their best season yet. This episode offers practical encouragement, faith-filled perspective, and a genuine call to live fully and courageously in retirement. Episode Timeline 00:00 – Introduction: The Joys of Retirement 00:16 – Life Lessons Learned from Grandchildren 00:50 – The Lego Lesson: Building, Dumping, and Rebuilding 03:47 – Embracing Retirement with Purpose 04:17 – Financial Freedom and Trusting God’s Provision 05:54 – Avoiding the Trap of Equating Worth with Money 08:02 – Exploring New Opportunities in Retirement 09:12 – Conclusion: Stepping into Your Best Season Schedule a call with Vona: https://tidycal.com/vona/your-path-to-more Email me: courageousretirement@gmail.com 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!  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!

    12 min

  7. JAN 15

    43. Ditch Your Resolutions: Do This Instead!

    What if New Year’s resolutions are actually keeping you from something better? In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson shares why she stopped chasing resolutions—and started listening for God’s direction instead. Rather than creating long lists of goals that fade by February, she embraces a simple but powerful practice: choosing a “Word of the Year” rooted in prayer and Scripture. Vona reflects on how resolutions can unintentionally distract us from seeking God’s Kingdom and discovering His unique purpose for this season of life. With honesty and encouragement, she opens up about her own journey—including the challenge from her coach to stop playing small and speak directly to the people she feels called to serve: those at or near retirement. Admitting how uncomfortable that has been, Vona invites listeners into the process with her. She asks for your help—to engage, respond, and walk alongside her—so together you can navigate this transition with courage, clarity, and faith. Whether you’re approaching retirement, stepping into a new chapter, or simply longing for more meaning, this episode will help you refocus your heart, quiet the noise, and take intentional steps toward the life God is calling you to live. It’s not about doing more. It’s about listening better. Episode Highlights: Why traditional resolutions often leave us frustratedThe power of choosing a faith-centered Word of the YearHow to seek God’s purpose instead of self-made plansA personal coaching challenge Vona is working through right nowAn invitation to connect—so she can help you, and you can help herEmbracing your “second calling” with courage and hopeScripture Quoted: "Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and he will give you everything you need."  Luke 12:31  "...don’t worry about how to respond or what to say. God will give you the right words at the right time." Matthew 10:19 2 Peter 1:1-15  Email to set up a time to chat: vona@vonajohnson.com 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!  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!

    14 min

  8. JAN 1

    42. Life is Short: Live it Purposefully!

    A new season, a renewed focus, and an invitation to live with eternal intention Life is short—how are you choosing to live it? In this episode of Courageous Retirement, I reflect on the reality that our days are limited and invite you into a conversation about living purposefully, not just productively. Scripture reminds us, “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom” (Psalm 90:12). That wisdom isn’t about rushing through life—it’s about aligning our time, energy, and calling with what matters eternally. I revisit themes from Episode 85, “Longing for More,” where I shared the simple but sobering truth that most of us are given no more than 100 years based on the song, A Hundred Years to Live. That awareness isn’t meant to create fear, but clarity—and perhaps courage. In this episode, we’ll reflect on: -What it means to ask God, “Teach me how to live” (Psalm 27:11) -How to wait patiently for the Lord without wasting the season we’re in (Psalm 27:14) -The question many of us quietly carry: What has my soul longed to do, but I’ve been too busy, afraid, or distracted to pursue? -Purpose in every season—whether you’re still working, newly retired, or redefining what’s next I also share personally about a new season I’m stepping into—recognizing that even good work can sometimes crowd out the work we’re most called to do. As part of that realignment, 'Courageous Retirement' will continue in an audio-only format for a time, allowing me to lean more fully into coaching and walking alongside others as they discern and live their God-given purpose. We close with a reflection on the art of masterful living—a way of life where faith is integrated into every part of who we are, and where work, rest, calling, and joy are no longer in competition. Read it here.  My prayer is that this conversation encourages you to pause, listen, and take one faithful step toward living the life your soul longs for. “Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 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!  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!

    17 min
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About

Whether you're already retired, on the brink of retirement, or simply curious about the future, join us on this journey in Courageous Retirement: Answer God's Call to MORE! Through insightful conversations, stories of courage and resilience, and practical wisdom rooted in biblical truth, Courageous Retirement will empower you to see this best season of life not as an end but as a beginning—a chance to boldly make a difference in a world that shuns God's truth. Join us and discover how to find fulfillment beyond the workplace and embrace a new chapter of purpose and impact.   Our host, Christian Retirement Coach Vona Johnson, is not just an author, speaker, and leader in her community. She is also a fellow retiree, sharing her personal journey and the wisdom she's gained along the way. Together with her guests, they illuminate how life becomes richer when you engage your faith, live out your true purpose, and leave a legacy of faith. Courageous Retirement will inspire you to Live Your More!You can find Courageous Retirement on YouTube, too! https://www.youtube.com/@vonajohnson/podcasts

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