We May Be Done, But We’re Not Finished: Making the Rest of Your Life the Best of Your Life

by Deb DeArmond

The nest is empty, professional path established or concluded. It should be an exciting time. We’re free to pursue the possibilities. But it’s a little scary, too. Much of what has defined our lives for the last 30 years is no longer required. Having completed most of what was placed on our plate – raising kids, building careers, driving carpools and Little League, I firmly believe the best may still be ahead.
We May Be Done, But We’re Not Finished challenges women 50+ and older to examine how the rest of their life might be the best of their life. Many may have wondered if they’ve accomplished the purpose for their lives as God intended. Here’s a if you’re still here, the answer is no. Please remember, adventure has no age limit!
With humor and truth, Deb DeArmond and 26 author friends chronicle their real-life experiences—the ups and the downs—and explore the exciting opportunities they discovered. When experienced women invite God to redirect their focus to his purpose and calling, his faithfulness carries us to places we’d never imagined. This can be an exciting time. Prepare to see new possibilities for your own life through the stories here of women transitioning to the north side of fifty their challenges, adventures, and laugh-out-loud-moments.

Genres: Christian Living

196 pages, Paperback

Published July 23, 2021

About the author

Deb DeArmond is an author, a speaker, and relationship coach—helping her clients improve their interactions at work and at home. Her first book, Related by Chance, Family by Choice: Transforming Mother-in-Law and Daughter-in-Law Relationships was released in November 2013 by Kregel Publications.

Deb’s passion is family dynamics and her writing explores marriage, grandparenting, in-law and extended family relationships. I Choose You Today: 31 Choices to Make Love Last is her second book. 31 quick-read chapters identify the choices that bring us together as a couple and keep us strong throughout our lives. Don't Go to Bed Angry. Stay Up and Fight! is on the topic of conflict. While the focus is on marriage, the tools will work to support difficult conversations in any important relationship. Both of these both are from Abingdon Press.

Deb followed a desire to inject some humor into life with a devotional based on bumper sticker sayings. If you'd like a chunk of Jesus and a hearty laugh as you learn, Bumper Sticker BeAttitudes is your ticket. From Elk Lake Publishing.

Her most recent book is a compilation for women at 50+. We May Be Done But We're Not Finished gathered 22 additional authors to share our belief that the rest of our life can be the best of our life. We have purpose, passion, and a personal commitment to the idea that adventure has no age limit. Also from Elk Lake Publishing.

Deb is wife to her high school sweetheart who showed her the path to become a Christ follower 48years ago. Mom to three incredible sons and daughters-in-law. Gigi to seven perfect grandboys and (finally!) one grandgirl. But Jesus is her favorite, and the others have learned to live with it.

Deb loves to travel, and considers herself a foodie. Her idea of the perfect job would be to travel on someone else’s dime, writing about her experiences, and eating her way around the world!

Deb and her husband Ron, live in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. Find Deb at Deb DeArmond/Family Matters

Reviews

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are approaching, have reached, or even surpassed the fifty-year mark in your life, you may be wondering what life will hold for you in your "twilight" years. I have to admit that, when I was younger I had the impression that once I reached that age it was only a matter of coasting into my senior years and then limping to the finish line of my life. I believed that dreams and goals were only for the young.

Deb DeArmond and several of her friends definitely changed my view of "retirement." I was struck by the varied experiences of these women of faith--some faced health scares, the end of marriages, or going back to school. While they may have had different challenges and dreams, the one thing they had in common was learning that God could still use them.

In this past year of so much uncertainty, we all could use a dose of hope. And DeArmond's book is an incredible source of hope. Readers cannot help but admire the tenacity and resilience of the women who contributed to this book. I loved that author biographies are included in the back with the other books they have written.

This book is a collective treasure of wisdom that will inspire and guide women of all walks of life to being open to where God may lead them in the second half of their life. Grab copies for a mother, grandmother, or any woman in your life who needs to be reminded that retirement isn't an end but rather the beginning of fresh possibilities!

[Melissa Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. My heart and soul were truly touched by reading this book. At times, I cried, and other times, I spoke out loud, “Yes, that is me.” Age does not define us. God has a unique journey for each person. I received a complimentary copy of the book. No review was required.

[Karen DeArmond Gardner · Rating 5 out of 5]

As one of the contributors to this book, I enjoyed reading the stories of other women who overcame what could have kept them down. I am biased, but I think you will be too as you delve into the stories for yourself.

[Ruth Schmeckpeper · Rating 4 out of 5]

42 stories written by women who’ve celebrated 50 or more birthdays. Sharing stories of hope and experiences, they find purpose in a new stage of life. “Be the woman God called you to be” invites each writer to share their unique path, yet draws the reader into the sisterhood of empathy and understanding. There’s hope and life after 50!

[Havebooks Willread · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this in one sitting and would like to go back sometime and read through the essays in a more leisurely manner. This was a timely read for me, directed to woman 50 and over asking how you're going to use the next (on average) approximately 7,000 days of life. It was invigorating, inspiring, and encouraging to see how these women lived after 50.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book spoke to me like no other I have read. It’s like it was written just for me. I too am in the empty nest phase of life and am just discovering new avenues of service and fulfillment. It’s refreshing to hear stories of other women navigating later life with purpose and grace. Many women will see themselves in the stories of heartache, disappointment and betrayal contained in this book. What a great read…every woman over fifty should read it!