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Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well
Summary
Scripture is filled with examples of men and women whom God used late in life, often with great impact-Noah, Abraham, Moses, Elizabeth, and Anna, to name a few. They were ordinary men and women who discovered that the latter years of life can be some of the most rewarding and fulfilling. "For them, growing older wasn't something to be denied or dreaded;" says Billy Graham, "it was to be embraced as part of God's plan for their lives." Billy Graham's life and ministry have been dedicated to the here and now but always with a happy-ever-after in view. In this moving narrative he reflects on his life and contemplates what God still has in store for him. He also shares how he has learned to deal with grief, uncertainty, and loss by focusing on the promises found in the Bible. "Explore with me not only the realities of life as we grow older but also the hope and fulfillment and even joy that can be ours once we learn to look at these years from God's point of view and discover His strength to sustain us every day." -Billy Graham
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Reviews
"What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes..." James 4:14
A biblical view of aging and preparing for death. Easily read with lots of brief example stories and supporting scriptures. This book is well worth the time it took to read it!!
A Conversation with Mr. Graham
This book was a conversation. It was a unique perspective from a man who has lived a unique life and has known a wide variety of people. This was a book that provided a wealth of history and the present that people do not think about - getting old. His discussion on never thinking about getting old whether it was himself or anyone else is how disconnected our society is from those who have limited connection to our aging relatives. He mentions people in his past that were aging he acknowledges that he never gave aging much thought. His grasp of the fear, and inability to keep up with this world is a reality that all of us will make. Even when technology was limited changes in the last 100 years are staggering. It is a comfort to remember that Jesus is all that matters. He has written about his wife in a way that was extremely personal and yet very respectful. It is a sober reminder that everyone will die one day and yet what you believe can dramatically impact how you finish. I am extremely thankful to book sneeze for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for a free reviewer copy.
This book was a conversation. It was a unique perspective from a man who has lived a unique life and has known a wide variety of people. This was a book that provided a wealth of history and the present that people do not think about - getting old. His discussion on never thinking about getting old whether it was himself or anyone else is how disconnected our society is from those who have limited connection to our aging relatives. He mentions people in his past that were aging he acknowledges that he never gave aging much thought. His grasp of the fear, and inability to keep up with this world is a reality that all of us will make. Even when technology was limited changes in the last 100 years are staggering. It is a comfort to remember that Jesus is all that matters. He has written about his wife in a way that was extremely personal and yet very respectful. It is a sober reminder that everyone will die one day and yet what you believe can dramatically impact how you finish. I am extremely thankful to book sneeze for the opportunity to read and review this book in exchange for a free reviewer copy.
Billy Graham takes what could be seen as a burden by many--the trials of aging--and turns it into an opportunity to encourage others in this marvelous book. He goes through several topics related to the aging process, sharing stories and tidbits of wisdom he's learned along the way, but most of all expressing his views on how he thinks God would have us handle these matters. Even though I am younger and not personally facing these issues I found myself mulling over the spiritual lessons about life and from life that he shared. I highly recommend this as a great read or listen, especially to anyone interested in spiritual matters and/or living life well. P.S.: The audio version had a narrator that captured some of the "down home" quality of Grahams voice, so even though it wasn't Graham himself speaking it felt enough like him that I felt like Graham himself was speaking to me, which made reading/listening to this book even more special. So I'd definitely recommend the audio version. Whether you read it or listen to it please consider treating yourself to hearing these words of wisdom from a great servant of God.
Rev Billy Graham is one of the most well known and respected Christian pastors. I am so happy that he chose to write this book about how to live an honorable and useful life as we grow older. There is much useful information for those of any age, but especially those who are starting to feel the restrictions of age. Rev. Graham shows how God used men and women from the Bible when they were in their later years of life, and, of course, how He can still use us today. Although he writes about failing strength, health issues, retirement, loss, and family decisions, this is never a depressing book. He also writes about the “Foundation that Lasts”, influencing those around us by our attitude and behavior, and our home in heaven, and I felt only his upbeat optimism for his heavenly future.This is a wonderful book not only for seniors, but for every age. As a matter of fact, young adults will benefit from this book because Rev. Graham gives great insight into the need for preparing for the future. This is an easy book to read and I appreciated his message. Growing older is not easy and can easily be depressing if we focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can. Rev. Graham has accomplished so much for the cause of Christ, but he is always humble in his demeanor and writing.I received this book for review from the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program.
I am a Catholic Christian who has the greatest respect for evangelists like Reverend Graham but at the same time never having much interest in reading his books. I bought this on a whim - I think I liked the title (and maybe God was leading me a bit). The value for me was Reverend Graham's thoughts on the value the elderly have for the world now. We may not be able to do the things we could in the past that helped bring about God's Kingdom. However, the way we live as we get older is valuable and is worth much to others. Our prayer and our example can make us 'leaders' - in a different way than before - but still very valuable.
one of Dr. Graham's last books could be his best!!
Billy Graham may have written this book more those in their golden years, but I personally received a lot from listening to it. You see I am just past 50 and suddenly struck by a disabling disease. In the past 3 years I went from an active person. Though we are empty nesters I am not able to dress, fix my makeup or hair. My husband is too young to retire yet God has blessed me with a wonderful partner in him as he's taken over everything except for a blessing of a woman who donates 2-3 times a week to help with my shower so he has time to juggle everything else. I have been praying for each person in our church directory but still felt like I should be able to do more especially since I cannot attend church anymore either. After listening to Bro Grahams book I have spent time praying about it and God has shown me another way I can minister from home. I'm so glad God prompted me to choose this book when looking for a few new ones.
How do you prepare for unexpected twists and turns of getting older and do you like growing older? Do you or someone you know is now facing infirmities and uncertainties that are a part of this maturing process? I can relate to these timely questions and thought of so many dear people that surround my life with these same thoughts and feelings. Billy's writings encourage and inspire us to live bravely in the midst of difficulty and shows us how to be content.Throughout the pages of the book perspectives on life and faith are sprinkled through the ten chapters. The author focuses on "old" as genuine, valuable and beautiful. God used so many people in the Bible in their later years. Are you willing to be used by God regardless of being bound by physical ailments, financial constraints or the loneliness of growing old?As a grandma of five, I heard a repeated theme or call if you will, to invest the fruit of your experience in the lives of others. Billy Graham is passionate about legacy and leading other generations by example. Life is a journey of many steps and growing older is a gradual process. Burdens and disabilities become our companions. Are you willing to be used by God? I love the book and plan to get copies for gift giving. Get the book, you'll be blessed.
Rev Billy Graham is one of the most well known and respected Christian pastors. I am so happy that he chose to write this book about how to live an honorable and useful life as we grow older. There is much useful information for those of any age, but especially those who are starting to feel the restrictions of age. Rev. Graham shows how God used men and women from the Bible when they were in their later years of life, and, of course, how He can still use us today. Although he writes about failing strength, health issues, retirement, loss, and family decisions, this is never a depressing book. He also writes about the “Foundation that Lasts”, influencing those around us by our attitude and behavior, and our home in heaven, and I felt only his upbeat optimism for his heavenly future.This is a wonderful book not only for seniors, but for every age. As a matter of fact, young adults will benefit from this book because Rev. Graham gives great insight into the need for preparing for the future. This is an easy book to read and I appreciated his message. Growing older is not easy and can easily be depressing if we focus on what we can’t do instead of what we can. Rev. Graham has accomplished so much for the cause of Christ, but he is always humble in his demeanor and writing.I received this book for review from the Thomas Nelson Booksneeze program.