Hi Friends,

Without going into too much detail I've been without a paycheck since August 1 and resources are thinning out. I've been working in higher education all of my career and enrollments have been declining so my appointment concluded. It's a struggle right now to keep hope alive and rest in the truths about God, his love, his care, his provision, etc. while the well becomes dry. Some days my mood is quite gloomy. I could use some prayer partners in this struggle. If it comes to mind please send along a prayer for me. Thanks!

-Tobiedog

I will be praying for you. Please update us from time to time.

Ausable: "I will be praying for you. Please update us from time to time."

Ditto, tobiedog, you're in our thoughts and prayers!

Prayers Sent!!

Oh no! Will keep you in my prayers. Anything positive happening?

Had a promising interview on Friday but not chosen as a finalist. Ugh! It feels like my age is an issue (63). So, trying to scratch up as much cash as possible driving Uber. Professionally, I have been an adult educator and spent time in ministry and I have access to a family cabin across from entry point 68 on Mcfarland. I'd gladly host or create any kind of retreat up there if you'd like. With seasons changing maybe you'd like to just extend your canoeing season by just having someplace warm and dry to sleep at night- got at least six beds and technology if you need it. Hit reply with contact information if interested and let anyone know you want. Thanks!

Still praying for you, Tobiedog! Next year I would certainly like to check out that cabin on McFarland!

Praying for you!!

Thoughts and prayers to you to find Peace and a job.

At our age it’s hard to imagine being out of work and trying to find anything. This is when people decide to take it on themselves vs leaning on God. Open doors is not always God. I heard this as I was driving... I want to say it was pastor David Jeremiah... Satan can and will open doors for basically people who are not utilizing the Holy Spirit and the word for guidance. Kinda like how Abraham and Sarah took having a kid in their hands by him sleeping with their concubine.
My point is I thought driving was what I needed to do. It was fun meeting people and many great moments. But I have a job here and they’ve been patient with me. This last trip was tough. By the time I got home I had little use of my right arm. While traveling I was unable to really stop and read and such. It was go go go... When I return I had neighbors making weird comments like it’s not the same when I’m not there. Partly cause I sort of mentor I guess you’d call it my one neighbor kid. Great kid... I guess when I’m there and his dad isn’t (works in cities all week) he really needs what a dad gives. And when Cory isn’t there I’m the fill in. Haha. So when home, I’m not only in the word more... I can be there for Jace and people. I’m in kinda tough shape, so I had no business going on the road. Good to meet two people I’ve not met in person before. Dr today for mainly shoulder but also another issue that is growing fast. Friday to the university it MN for even another issue as my surgery last fall appears to have damaged nerves. Meanwhile I’m making peogress on my house, but had no business hauling boats. It’s been a break even deal at best in the long run. Oh well.
My point tobydog, as you know you need God’s strength and leading. He always provides. Not always what we want. We’re praying for ya too!

tobiedog: "Hi Friends,

Without going into too much detail I've been without a paycheck since August 1 and resources are thinning out. I've been working in higher education all of my career and enrollments have been declining so my appointment concluded. It's a struggle right now to keep hope alive and rest in the truths about God, his love, his care, his provision, etc. while the well becomes dry. Some days my mood is quite gloomy. I could use some prayer partners in this struggle. If it comes to mind please send along a prayer for me. Thanks!

-Tobiedog"

Prayers of Gods love and prosperity are coming your way !

Update: Have had some interviews, for professional work that approximates my past positions, and for whatever work- from Target to bank teller. Nothing has moved forward yet. Still, I have much to be thankful for. I joined Uber/Lyft as a driver because we had to have something coming in. And, it actually works to some degree. I decide when to work and how long to work and how much I make depends on how long I want to stay out. Generally, it averages out to $20 an hour, though I'm leery about how this is all going to turn out come tax time.

I offer my prayers and turn on the apps and keep a little worship music in the background, and sometimes a downloaded sermon. I try to practice the presence of God and be attentive to my riders. It's okay, and I'm grateful. God provides.

tobiedog: "Update: Have had some interviews, for professional work that approximates my past positions, and for whatever work- from Target to bank teller. Nothing has moved forward yet. Still, I have much to be thankful for. I joined Uber/Lyft as a driver because we had to have something coming in. And, it actually works to some degree. I decide when to work and how long to work and how much I make depends on how long I want to stay out. Generally, it averages out to $20 an hour, though I'm leery about how this is all going to turn out come tax time.


I offer my prayers and turn on the apps and keep a little worship music in the background, and sometimes a downloaded sermon. I try to practice the presence of God and be attentive to my riders. It's okay, and I'm grateful. God provides. "

Sounds good... good luck on your upcoming interviews.

Still praying for you !

Thanks Basspro and all! Interview at St. Cloud State tomorrow.

Good Luck.......... prayers sent

If you need a temporary job, you can would qualify for VIPkid. It pays 18-22 an hour (depending on experience and bonuses) working from home. It's teaching ESL english to chinese kids (pk-8th grade) You need a good internet connection and some other things. It's all nights, but the kids are great. Let me know if you need more info.

tobiedog: "Hi Friends,

Without going into too much detail I've been without a paycheck since August 1 and resources are thinning out. I've been working in higher education all of my career and enrollments have been declining so my appointment concluded. It's a struggle right now to keep hope alive and rest in the truths about God, his love, his care, his provision, etc. while the well becomes dry. Some days my mood is quite gloomy. I could use some prayer partners in this struggle. If it comes to mind please send along a prayer for me. Thanks!

-Tobiedog"

Tobiedog did you find employment ?

Thanks for asking! I wish I could answer in the affirmative but I am still piecing things together and seeking God's direction. I have interviews every couple of weeks, sometimes as a finalist, but do not end up with the job. Yet, God always meets me at the intersection of my need and his provision, primarily by driving for Lyft. I don't want to sound like a downer but the notion of "giving up" is pretty strong now. I'm 64 and there are not a lot of employers looking for a professional at that age. I had an inquiry this week from San Diego and I took the call, but my youngest daughter is now expecting a child in November. So, I wonder, maybe this is one of those times when I should "know when to fold them" do my driving, be as content as possible, and get up north when I can.

Having had good work in the past I have a lovely log cabin on McFarland Lake off the Arrowhead Trail. If you'd like to consider renting a place for a retreat within a 100 yards of entry point 68 on Pine, let me know and I'll see if I can work it out. If you need a facilitator I have been a professional adult educator and pastor for most of my life and I can help. For good or ill, I have created connectivity in my cabin for internet and phone, which was helpful when my 82 year old father in law fell off his roof.

Sorry I haven't checked in for a while. Blessings to you all!

We are so age conscious in this society that it takes precedence over experience and that is truly sad . If I wasn’t already going to Hungryjack in June I would be very interested in that cabin. I bet if people in the board knew renting it was an option you would probably get some takers !

Hi Everyone,

I see I posted the start of this thread in 2018- a long time ago. I spent a year driving for Uber and Lyft and God met all our needs. I also met a lot of interesting people. I landed a full time job with the State in September of 2019 and that lasted until June of 2021. Again, the goodness of God showed up in so many ways. That took me to my full retirement age so I went on Social Security. I needed a little more to do and a little more cash so I am substitute teaching for my local school district and working 2+ days a week for Feed My Starving Children. Mostly, I get to work when I want to and work when I need to and my stress is way down. My struggles mostly center on the idea of calling, strengths, gifts and such, things I always told people they should focus on and things I thought God wanted me to focus on. I have little of that going on, just working in a warehouse for a good organization and helping out at school. I'm okay- just wondering if I should still be on the track of calling and gifts. Thoughts? Or, is this just how retirement looks?

tobiedog: "Hi Everyone,


I see I posted the start of this thread in 2018- a long time ago. I spent a year driving for Uber and Lyft and God met all our needs. I also met a lot of interesting people. I landed a full time job with the State in September of 2019 and that lasted until June of 2021. Again, the goodness of God showed up in so many ways. That took me to my full retirement age so I went on Social Security. I needed a little more to do and a little more cash so I am substitute teaching for my local school district and working 2+ days a week for Feed My Starving Children. Mostly, I get to work when I want to and work when I need to and my stress is way down. My struggles mostly center on the idea of calling, strengths, gifts and such, things I always told people they should focus on and things I thought God wanted me to focus on. I have little of that going on, just working in a warehouse for a good organization and helping out at school. I'm okay- just wondering if I should still be on the track of calling and gifts. Thoughts? Or, is this just how retirement looks?"

Hi there, while I'm not yet to the place in life you are, I can relate to that struggle. How do you exercise faithfulness to a call on your life when you feel like the "big opportunities" aren't there? I've come to realize that in the kingdom it's not the "big" achievements (i.e., becoming a pastor, launching a new ministry, writing a book) that define our faithfulness, it's the obedience in the small, mundane moments of our life. Paying for groceries for a single mom. Offering to pray with a stranger. Giving to a homeless person. Mentoring a student in your church's youth program.

Remember that in Matthew 25 Jesus tells us that in the final judgment, the standard by which our life is judged is acts of love and kindness, not our accomplishments.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36 I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’

37 “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39 When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

40 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,[f] you were doing it to me!’

The question then to me isn't so much "How do I live out my calling," the question is "Am I okay living out a calling that is never recognized or celebrated by man?"

Finally, I listen to a podcast by Greg Boyd, a rather unique pastor and well-known author out of the Twin Cities. The podcast format is that he answers questions from his listeners, and recently someone asked him something similar. This is a short listen at about 8 minutes and hopefully will encourage you.

Dear Greg: I Want to Do Something Meaningful and Still Make a Living (podcast)

I enjoy Greg Boyd and will listen to that podcast- thanks! Funny, my old axiom used to be “we do not become spiritual by wishing to become so; we must undertake something so great we cannot accomplish it unaided.”