The Personal Blog of Barak Strickland

Do Your Finances Support the Life You Want?

2026-08-18T07:23:43.983-04:00

Money isn't just about numbers. It's about freedom. It's about whether your life feels open and full of options, or tight and full of worry. August is a great time to pause and take an honest look at your finances, the same way you might check the oil in your car before a long road trip.

You don't need to be a money expert to do this. You just need a few quiet minutes and some honesty with yourself.

Start With One Big Question

Here's the question at the center of it all: Do my resources support the life I want, or do they restrict it?

That's it. That's the whole point of a money check-in. Not "How much do I have?" but "Is what I have working for me?" Two people can have the exact same amount of money and feel completely different about it. One feels secure. The other feels stressed. The difference usually comes down to whether their money matches their actual life and goals.

Look at Income Honestly

Start with what's coming in. This isn't about judging yourself. It's just about seeing the full picture clearly.

Ask yourself:

Is my income steady, or does it change a lot month to month?
Does it currently cover what I need, with a little breathing room?
Are there ways to grow it, even small ones, over the next few months?

You're not trying to solve everything today. You're just trying to see clearly. You can't improve what you refuse to look at.

Check In on Savings

Savings acts like a cushion between you and life's surprises. Car trouble, a medical bill, a slow month at work — these things happen to everyone eventually. The question isn't whether something unexpected will come up. It's whether you'll be ready when it does.

A simple way to think about savings is in layers:

Layer one: A small emergency cushion. Even a few hundred dollars can keep a surprise expense from turning into a crisis.
Layer two: A bigger safety net. Over time, this grows to cover a few months of basic expenses, so a job loss or big life change doesn't knock you flat.
Layer three: Savings for the future you want. This is money set aside for goals — a trip, a car, school, a home, whatever matters to you.

You don't need all three layers built at once. You just need to know which layer you're working on right now.

Face Debt Without Shame

Debt is one of those topics people avoid because it comes with a lot of guilt attached. But shame doesn't pay off debt. A clear plan does.

Take a few minutes to simply list what you owe. Not to judge yourself, just to know exactly where you stand. Once it's written down, it usually feels more manageable than the vague, anxious feeling of 'I owe a bunch of stuff and I don't want to think about it.'

From there, you can decide on small next steps: paying a bit extra on the highest-interest debt, calling a lender to ask about options, or simply making sure no payments get missed this month. Small, steady steps matter more than one big dramatic move.

Feeling Prepared Matters as Much as the Numbers

Two people with the same bank balance can feel completely different levels of stress. That's because feeling prepared isn't only about how much money you have. It's about understanding your situation and having a plan.

Preparedness comes from things like:

Knowing roughly what you spend each month
Having a plan for irregular expenses, like car repairs or gifts
Knowing what you'd do if your income dropped for a month
Having at least a rough plan for the next six to twelve months

None of this requires a finance degree. It just requires paying attention.

Sustainability, Flexibility, and Peace of Mind

A good financial life isn't about having the most money possible. It's about having a setup that's sustainable, meaning you can keep it going without burning out. It's flexible, meaning it can bend when life throws something unexpected at you. And it brings peace of mind, meaning you're not lying awake at night worrying about it.

If your current money habits feel exhausting or rigid, that's useful information. It might be time to adjust something, whether that's a budget, a spending habit, or an old money belief you've been carrying around without questioning it.

Your Next Step

You don't have to fix your entire financial life this week. Pick one thing: check your savings, list your debts, or simply track your spending for seven days. One honest look is enough to start.

The goal isn't perfection. It's alignment — making sure the resources you have are actually working to build the life you want, instead of quietly holding you back from it.

Your August Reset: Becoming the Next Version of You

2026-08-04T08:31:24.431-04:00

August feels like a secret second January. The summer is winding down, schools are getting ready to start, and there's a subtle crispness in the air—even if it's still hot outside. It's the perfect time to pause and ask yourself a simple question: Who do I want to be for the rest of this year?

You don't need a New Year's Eve countdown to start fresh. You just need a decision. Let's talk about how to use August as a launchpad for stronger confidence and a better sense of who you are.

Why Midyear Resets Work

Most people wait until January to set goals. But by August, you already know a lot. You know what's worked this year and what hasn't. You know which habits stuck and which ones fizzled out by February. That's actually valuable information.

A midyear reset isn't about starting over. It's about adjusting your course with everything you've learned so far. Think of it like a road trip: you don't throw away the whole map just because you took a wrong turn. You just recalculate and keep driving.

Small Ways to Improve How You See Yourself

Self-image is the picture you carry around in your head of who you are. Sometimes that picture gets a little foggy or outdated. Here are a few simple ways to clean it up:

Update your inner story. Pay attention to what you say to yourself. If you catch yourself thinking "I'm just not good at this," try swapping it for "I'm still learning this." Small changes in language can shift how you see yourself over time.
Change one physical habit. This doesn't have to be big. Stand a little taller. Make eye contact when you talk to people. Wear something that makes you feel like yourself. These small physical shifts often lead to bigger mental ones.
Do one thing that scares you a little. Confidence isn't something you wait to feel before you act. It's something you build by acting. Every time you do something slightly outside your comfort zone, you prove to yourself that you can handle more than you thought.
Clean up your surroundings. Your space affects your mood more than you might realize. A messy desk or a cluttered room can quietly drain your energy. Spend twenty minutes tidying up one space this week and notice how it feels.

Showing Up Boldly as Yourself

Here's a tough truth: trying to be like everyone else is exhausting. It's also impossible, because nobody else is you. Showing up boldly doesn't mean being loud or being the center of attention. It means letting your actual personality, opinions, and quirks show up in the room instead of hiding them.

This might look like:

Sharing your honest opinion in a conversation instead of just agreeing with everyone
Wearing the color you actually like, not the "safe" one
Asking the question you're curious about, even if it feels silly
Saying no to something that doesn't fit who you are anymore

Boldness isn't about being fearless. It's about acting even when you feel a little nervous. Almost everyone feels nervous. The difference is that some people let the nervousness stop them, and others move forward anyway.

Becoming Your Next Version

You are not the same person you were in January. You've learned things. You've grown, even if it doesn't always feel that way. The "next version" of you isn't some far-off future person—it's built one small decision at a time, starting today.

Think about it like leveling up in a video game. You don't jump from level one to level ten instantly. You gain experience bit by bit. Every good habit you practice, every hard conversation you have, every boundary you set—that's all experience points toward becoming who you're growing into.

A Simple Way to Start

You don't need a giant plan. Try this instead:

Pick one area of your life you want to feel more confident in by the end of the year. Maybe it's speaking up more. Maybe it's trying new things. Maybe it's simply liking what you see in the mirror a bit more.
Write it down.
Pick one small action you can take this week that moves you toward it.

August isn't the end of the year. But it can be the turning point. The version of you that shows up in December is being built right now, one small choice at a time.

Make today count.

Are You Fearing Endings or Stepping Into Peace?

2026-07-21T09:45:30.866-04:00

Saying goodbye is hard. It is especially hard when you are saying goodbye to a job, a title, or a routine that you held for thirty or forty years. When you spend the majority of your adult life being known as the director, the boss, the expert, or the provider, that identity becomes a comfortable coat. Even if the coat is getting old and heavy, it is scary to take it off.

Many people enter the later stages of life clutching their past achievements. They look backward constantly, talking about what they used to do and who they used to manage. This comes from a very deep, human fear of endings. We worry that if our major life chapters are over, then our worth is gone too. But from a spiritual perspective, an ending is not a brick wall. It is a doorway.

The Purpose of a Season

Nature teaches us this lesson every single year. The trees must drop their leaves in the autumn. If they held onto them through the freezing winter, the heavy snow would break their branches. The tree has to let go of its old growth so it can survive the cold and bloom again in the spring.

Your life works the same way. You cannot fully step into a new, purposeful season if your hands are completely full of the past. To find true inner peace during a major life transition, you have to practice the spiritual discipline of letting go.

Shifting from Role to Soul

When you let go of your old corporate title, you are not losing your value. You are simply shifting your focus from your role to your soul. Your worth never came from the nameplate on your office door or the number of people who reported to you. Your worth comes from your character, your faith, and your wisdom.

When you accept that a chapter has ended, the anxiety starts to fade. Peace rushes in to fill the empty space. You stop trying to prove yourself to the world because you realize you have nothing left to prove. You have already run that race. Now, you get to walk a new path.

Welcoming the New Beginning

A clean ending is the exact thing you need to start a fresh chapter. When you stop looking backward, your eyes open to the neat things happening right in front of you. You start to see new ways to mentor younger people. You find time to deepen your faith, spend quality moments with family, and join communities like Refire Nation.

If you are feeling restless or fearful today, ask yourself: What am I holding onto? Is it an old title? Is it the need to be in control? Let's practice the art of letting go together. Trust that the same guidance that led you through your career will lead you into this beautiful new season.

Stop Relying Only on Willpower

2026-06-08T08:14:56.270-04:00

We’ve all been there. We start the week with a surge of motivation, an iron-clad mindset, and a checklist of positive habits we intend to keep. We vow to exercise daily, eat better, read more, or dedicate uninterrupted time to our passion projects.

But by Wednesday or Thursday, the exhaustion sets in. The couch looks incredibly inviting, the old habits creep back, and we find ourselves wondering where our discipline went.

Here is the hard truth we often miss: Your environment helps to dictate behavior.

If you are relying purely on willpower to maintain your consistency, you are playing a losing game. Willpower is a finite resource; it drains as the day goes on. Real, sustainable transformation doesn't come from trying harder, it comes from designing an environment that makes good choices easy and friction-free.

The Power of Friction

Think of your daily habits in terms of friction. If you want to build a good habit, you need to remove the friction. If you want to break a bad habit, you need to increase it.

Want to drink more water? Don't just "remember" to do it. Place a filled water bottle on your desk the night before.

Want to read more? Put a book on your pillow instead of your phone.

Want to focus on deep work? Move your phone to another room so checking it requires physical effort.

When you change the infrastructure of your day, good choices become the default option.

Shifting from Mindset to Infrastructure

Having the right mindset is a wonderful foundation, but infrastructure is what sustains it. Your surroundings - your home, your workspace, your daily routine - they all should act as a tailwind pushing you forward, not a headwind holding you back.

Your Turn to Reflect:

Take a look at your physical and digital environments today.

Where is the hidden friction in your day?

Is your current environment supporting your growth, or is it actively tripping you up?

Let’s design a space that works for us, not against us.

Share your thoughts and your environmental tweaks in the comments below!

The Quiet Power of Small Wins

2026-06-05T09:50:34.225-04:00

We live in a culture obsessed with the finish line. We celebrate the grand opening, the promotion, the published book, the major milestone. But anyone who has built something meaningful knows a deeper truth: the race isn't won at the finish line. It's won in the quiet, unremarkable moments when nobody is watching.

It's won when you don't feel motivated - but you show up anyway.

Motivation is a fair-weather friend. It shows up for the exciting launch, but it rarely sticks around for the daily grind. Discipline, however, is the quiet engine of progress. It's choosing to write the page, make the call, take the walk, or review the plan simply because you committed to it - regardless of how you feel.

Consistency isn't built in the big moments. It's built in the ordinary ones:

The workout you completed when you didn't feel like it.

The call you made when it would have been easier to put it off.

The commitment you kept, to yourself, even when no one was watching.

True consistency isn't about giant leaps. It's about locking in small, quiet wins day after day. When you string enough of those moments together, they compound into something extraordinary. Every time you choose discipline over convenience, you strengthen your ability to follow through. Every time you honor a commitment to yourself, you build trust in yourself.

Those small wins matter , not because they seem impressive today, but because they become the foundation for everything you'll celebrate tomorrow.

As this week comes to a close, don't only measure your progress by the results you can see. Measure it by the discipline you demonstrated along the way. Friday Check-In

Let's celebrate the discipline, not just the outcome.

What is one small win you locked in this week simply because you showed up and chose discipline over motivation? Share it in the comments. I'd love to celebrate it with you.

Starting June Strong: What Is Your Non-Negotiable Morning Routine?

2026-06-03T08:08:16.257-04:00

Can you believe we are already looking at the start of June? As we step into a brand-new month, it is the perfect opportunity to hit the reset button and look closely at the foundation of consistency.

We often put a lot of pressure on "motivation" to get things done. But the truth is, motivation is a fair-weather friend. Real growth and steady progress come down to the habits we execute when motivation is nowhere to be found.

That brings me to a question I want to pose to you today:

What is one non-negotiable routine you do every single morning, regardless of your motivation level?

Is it a 10-minute walk? Reading a chapter of a book? Spending the first moments of the day in quiet reflection or prayer?

Whatever it is, I want to hear about it. Your routine might just be the inspiration someone else needs to build their own foundation of consistency this month.

Scroll down to the comments section below and drop your non-negotiable morning routine.

The Gardener and the Traveler

2026-05-13T08:44:14.228-04:00

It was late spring, that quiet threshold between the last chill of winter and the first true heat of summer, when a Traveler came upon a Gardener tending a sprawling grove at the edge of a village.

Tiny green shoots pushed through the soil, almost unnoticed unless someone stopped long enough to look.

The Traveler watched the Gardener carefully trim a branch from a healthy, growing tree and asked, "Why cut it back when it's already thriving?"

The Gardener smiled. "Because pruning encourages vigorous growth, boosts fruit and flower production, and helps shape the tree, allowing for better light and air circulation," he said.

The Traveler considered this. "I have spent years trying to become a better version of myself," he admitted. "Yet I still feel unfinished."

The Gardener set down his tools. "You speak as though you are a locked door waiting for the right key. But a tree does not become strong by turning into another tree; it grows by refining what it already is." He gestured to the branches above. "One branch reaches a little farther toward the light. One root lets go of a stone that was blocking its path. A small adjustment today shifts the trajectory of the whole harvest tomorrow. I am not looking for a new orchard. I seek refinement, not reinvention."

Later, they walked to the edge of the property, where the cultivated earth met an untamed meadow. The Traveler stopped there.

"I have always wanted to go farther," he said, "but I never feel ready."

The Gardener laughed softly. "No one does."

He picked up a small seedling resting in a clay pot. "This plant survived because it first grew in a shelter. Comfort is not the enemy; every living thing needs safety for a time. But if the roots are never allowed to stretch beyond the confines of the pot, eventually the plant weakens."

He handed the seedling to the Traveler. "I don't leap blindly into the wild either. But I take one step past the gate. I feel the sting of unknown nettles. I let myself look like a fool, a seasoned Gardener stumbling like a beginner." He smiled. "Expansion doesn't require a leap of faith. It only requires the willingness to be imperfect and the courage to start before you feel ready. The growth you are looking for isn't miles away. It's right here, at the edge of where you feel safe."

"And what if I fail?" the Traveler asked.

"You will," the Gardener answered plainly. "The question is only whether you are willing to begin anyway."

As the sun reached its peak, a wind came in from the far hills, carrying the scent of plants the Gardener had never grown and the songs of birds he did not recognize.

The Traveler frowned at the unfamiliar sounds. "The world is full of noise," he said. "Everyone claims certainty. How do I know what to believe?"

The Gardener leaned into the breeze rather than away from it. "When a tree refuses the changing wind, it snaps," he said. "When it bends, it survives." He picked up a fallen leaf. "Many people seek only ideas that comfort them. Few seek those who challenge them. But discomfort is often the sound of understanding expanding."

"So growth is just uncertainty?" the Traveler asked.

"Not entirely," said the Gardener. "Growth is remaining open long enough to be changed by what you encounter."

By evening, they sat together beneath an old tree while the shadows stretched long across the grove.

Before he departed, the Traveler asked one final question. "When does the work of growing finally end?"

The Gardener smiled, and this time, something almost sorrowful was in his reply. "It doesn't."

He gestured toward the garden: some plants blooming, others struggling, others just beginning to break through the soil.

"Life keeps asking us to adjust to seasons we did not plan for. Growth is simply learning to meet each new season with attention instead of resistance."

The Traveler stood and looked one last time at the quiet grove. Nothing extraordinary seemed to be happening there.

And yet, everywhere he looked, things were becoming.

In the garden of your own life this May, which branch are you pruning, and which boundary are you nudging outward this season?

The Growth Within

2026-04-15T08:18:00.001-04:00

As we move through April, I want to shift our focus inward.

So far this year, you’ve been building a strong foundation:

January was about the goals you set for 2026
February focused on your relationships and those you may need
March centered on your physical health and supporting your body

Now, April is about something quieter, but just as important: your mental and emotional well-being.

Because growth isn’t just what people see. It’s also the work happening within.

The Mental Check-In: What Are You Feeding Your Mind?

A neglected mind doesn’t just get bored, it slowly loses clarity, direction, and identity.

To stay out of “autopilot,” ask yourself:

Are you staying curious, or just staying busy?
Is what you consume daily helping you grow, or just filling silence?

Small shifts in what you read, watch, and think about can change everything over time.

The Emotional Check-In: Who Are You Becoming?

This season of life can feel uncertain. At times, you may notice emotional fatigue or even a sense of losing who you are.

Pause for a moment and ask yourself:

Am I at peace with the person I am becoming right now?

If the answer is “not quite,” that’s not failure, it’s awareness.

And awareness gives you the chance to realign—to move forward with intention instead of drifting.

Stress & Boundaries: Protect Your Energy

Stress doesn’t always come from doing too much. Often, it comes from saying “yes” when you really mean “no.”

This month, try this:

Set one boundary you’ve been avoiding
Create a moment of stillness each day, even if it’s just a few minutes
Give yourself permission to not always be “on”

Protecting your energy is part of your growth.

Your April Reminder

You are more than a body to train or a set of goals to chase. You are a mind to nurture.

I'd love to hear from you below…what’s one way you’re intentionally taking care of your mental or emotional health?

Refire Nation Presents a New 5‑Week Spring Study!

2026-04-07T07:54:00.000-04:00

We’re walking through the first chapters of Acts — from Jesus’ final words to the fire of Pentecost.

Wednesdays in person OR on Google Meet • 45 minutes • Starts April 8

No book required. Everyone is welcome.

Come explore the story that launched the New Testament Church.

You Are Invited

2026-04-06T08:08:00.002-04:00

Join Refire Nation this spring for a 5‑week journey through the opening chapters of the Book of Acts!

Beginning April 8, we’ll meet in person OR on Google Meet for a 45‑minute interactive study inspired by Jim Duddleston’s Travels Through the Book of Acts. Together we’ll explore the moments leading up to Pentecost - Jesus’ final instructions, the Ascension, the disciples’ preparation, the coming of the Holy Spirit, and Peter’s powerful message.

You don’t need the book to participate. Just bring your curiosity, your Bible, and a desire to grow.

All are welcome — feel free to invite a friend.

🔥 SERVE

2026-04-04T10:53:00.003-04:00

At Refire Nation, we believe serving others isn't something you age out of - it's

something you grow into.

🔥 SERVE Take what you've built, what you've learned, and pour it into the lives

around you. Serve with Purpose.

Join us here: https://subscribepage.io/RefireNation

#RefireNation #Serve #PurposeDriven #EternalPurpose #ServeOthers #Refired #StillMakingAnImpact

🔥 LEARN

2026-04-03T10:28:00.000-04:00

At Refire Nation, we believe that a lifetime of experience isn't the end of the story - Keep Learning.

🔥 LEARN Because wisdom has a purpose, and yours is far from finished.

Join us here: https://subscribepage.io/RefireNation

🔥 CONNECT

2026-04-02T08:05:00.000-04:00

At Refire Nation, we believe the retirement years are meant for more than just

"slowing down." They are for leveling up in the areas that matter most. Our

framework is simple: Connect. Learn. Serve.

🔥 CONNECT: Life is better in community. 🤝

Whether it’s growing closer to God, building bonds with peers, or tapping into

new resources, we don’t walk this path alone. There is a unique strength found

when we come together to share our experiences and wisdom.

The Soft Launch of Refire Nation

2026-04-01T08:09:00.003-04:00

A year ago, I had NO HOPE. Today, I am FULL of hope.

This journey from floundering to flourishing in retirement is why we are soft launching Refire Nation today, April 1st (no fooling!). We aren't just a network; we are a new community for those in their "Third Third" of life who are looking for connection, learning opportunities, and ways to serve.

God used my "valley" to show me that so many others are wandering there, too. We’re here to help you find the path to purpose in retirement. The world thinks your best years are behind you. Don't be fooled…get it? 🙂

To God be the glory for my story…what’s the next step for you in your story? Maybe it’s to join us in Refire Nation. (Part 4 of 4)

From Retirement to "Refirement"

2026-03-31T08:14:00.002-04:00

By May 2025, we were back in Ohio. I started "cracking the code" on “community” again.

Meeting with old (and new) friends, small group participation, and Fairhaven Church

Saturday Morning Men’s Fellowships.

I joined a 6-week study called The RePurpose Promise. It changed my vocabulary. I realized that "ReTirement" (with a 'T' for temporary) wasn't enough for me. I needed "ReFirement" (with an 'F' for forevermore).

In September, a friend asked how I was doing. I didn't just say "okay." I told him: "I am flourishing."

My story wasn't over; it was being rewritten. (Part 3 of 4)

Hope and Heavenly

2026-03-30T08:25:00.003-04:00

April 14, 2025. That was the day I stopped trying to "tough it out." I dialed 988, Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

The woman who answered was named Hope. The social worker who saw me at the clinic was named Heavenly. I don’t believe in "coincidences" anymore.

I was struggling with deep anxiety and the loss of my "safe space." Through their help, medical care, and the support of new friends, I started leaning on a promise found in Philippians 4: “The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” I was still in the valley, but I wasn't walking alone.

The climb out of the valley had begun. (Part 2 of 4)

The Great Emptying

2026-03-29T08:36:00.001-04:00

In late 2024, Victoria and I did something radical. We sold our house, our furniture, and my car. We were headed to Texas to be nomadic and follow our kids and grandson. It felt like the ultimate retirement dream. But sometimes, when you empty your life of "things," you realize how much you rely on "place." By February 2025, I found myself at a literal and spiritual intersection in Corpus Christi TX, crying out to God because I had no hope for the future. The dream had become a desert. (Part 1 of 4)

Ready to Refire? Join Our New Study on the Book of Acts

2026-03-25T09:59:00.000-04:00

At Refire Nation, we believe that the same fire found in the Book of Acts is available to us now. That’s why we’re thrilled to invite you to our upcoming 5-week hybrid study, "Exploring Pentecost."

"We aren't just reading about the past; we are preparing for our future."

Guided by Jim Duddleston’s book, Travels Through the Book of Acts, we will explore the themes of empowerment, community, and the transformative power of Pentecost.

Join us Hybrid-Style We know life is busy, which is why we are offering this as a hybrid event. If you’re in the Dayton, OH area, come experience the energy in person. If you’re further away, our virtual platform ensures you won’t miss a single moment of the conversation.

Mark your calendars for April 8th. It’s time to move beyond the surface and truly refire your connection to the Word.

Click Here to Register

A Better Way To Think About Your Health This March

2026-03-15T20:16:00.002-04:00

March feels like a reset. The light lasts a little longer, the air starts to shift, and there’s a sense of renewal in the works. It’s a natural time to check in on our health, and, more importantly, the story we’re telling ourselves about our bodies.

Usually, we fall into one of two extremes:

The "Disease and Decline" story: The belief that "it’s all downhill from here." While we all age, this view ignores the incredible agency we have. Small, daily decisions matter more than we realize.
The "Superhero" story: The pressure to do it all, push through everything, and never slow down. But we aren't machines. We need rest, margin, and maintenance.

There’s a beautiful middle ground: Steady stewardship. It’s not about fear or perfection; it’s about taking care of the "home" we live in.

If you’re looking to keep things simple and doable this month, try focusing on these five pillars:

Walk most days: 20 to 30 minutes outside can do wonders for your heart and your head.
Clean up the basics: More water, more greens, and enough protein. Consistency beats "trendy" every time.
Protect your sleep: 7–9 hours isn't a luxury; it’s your body’s internal repair shop.
Stay connected: Call a friend or spend time with family. Joy is a biological necessity; it lowers stress in ways no supplement can.
See your doctor: Prevention is the ultimate act of kindness to your future self.

A Note on Purpose: If your faith informs your life, this becomes even more meaningful. Caring for your body isn’t about vanity; it’s about stewardship. It ensures you have the energy to show up fully for your family, your friends, and your calling.

This month, don't resign yourself to decline, and don't chase perfection. Just start small and stay steady. The goal isn’t a dramatic transformation, it’s durable health for the years ahead.

5 Years of Freedom (after 40 Years of Service!)

2026-02-27T09:00:00.002-05:00

Today I’m celebrating 5 years of retirement after spending 40 years with the USAF (active duty and civil service).

That’s four decades of:

Surviving death-by-PowerPoint.

Deciphering enough acronyms to create a new language.

Of watching the Air Force, and the world, evolve.

Retirement isn't an ending — it's a new mission. Five years in, I’ve become better at engaging with the world around me and hopefully become a better person.

The One Thing We All Need Right Now!

2026-02-13T13:21:00.000-05:00

Lately, I’ve been reflecting on how deeply we all need relationships — not just casual connections, but the kind where we are truly known. Family, friends, and the communities we belong to aren’t extras in life; they are where our faith, joy, and strength are formed.

So many people are quietly experiencing isolation, even while surrounded by others. At some point, most of us ask the same honest question:

Who truly knows me — and who can I rely on?

God designed us for belonging. Healthy relationships help prevent loneliness and remind us that we don’t have to walk through life alone. And I believe this starts in our most intimate relationships.

With Valentine’s Day approaching on February 14th, this season becomes a meaningful opportunity to return to being intentional in our relationships. It’s a season to pause, reflect, and invest in the relationships that matter most — because love grows when it is cared for.

One specific practical step I’m inviting you to take: This week, choose one relationship — your spouse, a family member, or a close friend — and create intentional space for connection. Set aside distractions, ask a real question, and listen with presence.

My prayer is that we continue building lives and communities where no one feels alone, where belonging is strengthened, and where relationships are nurtured with care and purpose.

Climbing Out of the Valley

2026-01-30T18:46:00.002-05:00

Throughout my career—from the United States military to decades of project management—I’ve seen how critical resilience is when facing the unexpected. But it’s often in our personal "valleys" where our leadership and faith are truly tested.

In this episode, I join Curt, Dale, and Adam to discuss:

Navigating significant life pivots and "close calls."
Finding purpose and identity beyond a career title.
The importance of community and spiritual grounding during transitions.

We are all "ReDirecting" in some way. I hope my story offers a useful perspective for your own journey.

Stream the episode below:

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-redirect-podcast/id1795112726?i=1000747243306
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CUjNjxajpGw
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6dYk0CAfN2dUfc1HlJlVsm

Are You Going to Change Anything in 2026?

2026-01-15T10:31:00.000-05:00

Being a couple weeks into the new year, I want to ask you something—are you going to change anything in your life this year?

So many of us plan to do things someday. Start something new. Make a change. Stop doing something. Take a chance. But the truth is, today is someday. If we’re not going to make the change now, when will we?

What none of us want is to look back a year, five years, even 10 years from now wishing we had acted when we had the time, the opportunity, and the ability. I don’t want any of us saying, “I thought about doing that… I just never made the decision to actually do it.”

This year doesn’t have to be about doing everything. It just has to be about doing something -or- stop doing something.

Here’s my challenge to you:

Pick one thing you’ve been thinking about starting -or- stopping for a long time. Write it down right now…go ahead, I’ll wait for you.

…

Okay, now take one small step toward it this week—make the call, send the email, sign up, start the habit, or stop that thing.

And if you want help, encouragement, or a little accountability along the way, let me know. I’d be happy to support you.

Let’s make this the year we stop thinking and talking about “it” and start -or- stop doing “it”.

“What If the most powerful step into a new year isn't starting something new, but leaving something behind?” (David Smith, No Turning Back, 1/11/2026, Fairhaven Church)

Cheering you on in 2026.

PS Want these kind of posts in your inbox? Subscribe at subscribepage.io/barak

Flourish (Fairhaven.Church/Flourish)

2026-01-09T09:42:00.005-05:00

Past, Present, and Future!

2026-01-07T08:47:00.003-05:00