Bond…Spiritual Bond

In my previous blog, I shared the tips on building friendships from a recent article in the Wall Street Journal. It’s titled, “How to Find and Keep Friends: A Guide for Middle Age.” The author is Julie Jargon. She offered a list of suggestions to help people establish strong friendships. They were particularly targeted at women. (See my previous blog for the list.)

I’ve got some convictions along this line as well. Mine are born out of organizing and facilitating “friendship” groups with men in several cities where I’ve lived. Depending on the translation used, Proverbs 18:24 tells us “There is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” (NIV)

We see clear examples of this in the Bible. Perhaps the most well known is that of David and Jonathan, the son of King Saul. In 1 Samuel 18:3 we’re told, “Jonathan made a covenant with David, because he loved him as his own soul.” 

Later, in what some have used for misinterpreting the relationship of the two men, these were David’s words upon learning of the death of Jonathan: “I am distressed for you, my brother Jonathan; very pleasant have you been to me; your love to me was extraordinary, surpassing the love of women.” 2 Samuel 1:26 (ESV)

To make things clear, we should first know that Jonathan was married to a woman. And King David had NO lack of “love for women." He had MANY wives and many “concubines.” Additionally, he was so attracted to a particular woman (Bathsheba) that he acted sinfully and had her husband killed on the battlefield. This was after King David committed adultery with her and she became pregnant.

We should also note that the Hebrew word for “love” used in the 2 Samuel passage is not the typical word used for sexual activity. Commentators explain that its usage has clear political and diplomatic connotations. The friendship of the two men was a covenantal bond. As one of those commentators has written, “True friendship, according to the Bible, involves loyalty, sacrifice, compromise, and yes, emotional attachment.” Amen.

How can men build such friendships today? Here is my own “how to” list, for starters, for developing one friend or a small group.

1. Learn to get comfortable with the word “intimacy.” In its raw form this simply means to know and be known. 
2. Initiate an invitation. This could start over coffee or lunch with someone where you sense there could be a good connection.
3. When you meet that first time, discuss the challenge of building friendships in our day with other men. Cautiously admit your own desires to have one or a few close friends. (Don’t let the word “close” become a roadblock.)
4. Suggest meeting once a week for four weeks to see if this works for both of you. (Or those in your group.) It avoids long term commitment.
5. On your next get together, learn about your mutual interests and ways you enjoy having fun. Discuss family. Work. Travel. More surface conversation. Maybe have an idea of what to discuss next time.
6. The next visit should go deeper into work and family life, learning how you both found spouses (if married) and how you got into your line of work. Maybe the challenges going on in your life right now.
7. High points (victories) and low points (pain) of life might come next. This is now key: Transparency is what facilitates the relationship. And here’s a big test: Does your transparency raise eyebrows with your friend? If so, be wary that the other person may not be an ideal candidate for a “close friend.”
8. Continue to meet through the fourth week and then determine if the parties wish to continue. If you are trying to set up a small group (as I did), one or more may opt out. That’s fine. Later in the journey, others may come into the group. Obviously, if it’s just two of you meeting this defines whether you have the right person.

I have greatly enjoyed the friendships I’ve made in my small groups. Many are lasting and trustworthy. Some of us are closer than others. But we found a “bond” to build upon. It is, if you will, a spiritual bond.

May you be blessed with the same.

That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Need Friends?

I’ve seen them in many places and you have likely as well. It’s the t-shirt carrying the classic Friends television show logo. Not sure why it’s popular. Is it because the wearers love the old program? Or…are they simply advocates for friendship?

I’ve never seen a single episode of Friends. Maybe a highlight or two. The sitcom aired for ten seasons on NBC, ending on May 6, 2004. For the uninformed (like me) the show revolved around six friends in their 20s and 30s who lived in New York City. Some fairly well known talent made up the cast. I shall digress no further.

Instead, I would simply say I am an advocate for having “friends.” Sounds trite, doesn’t it? That’s because surface level friends abound. Really good, lasting, gold standard friendships are much more rare. They take time, energy, and effort to develop and sustain.

I know a bit about this. I have one childhood friend remaining. One. Not a single high school friend remains in close contact. (Yes, a few Facebook friends from that era.) I spent four years in the military. Many “friends.” Only a handful are on my “active friends” list.

In fairness, my family did move around a fair amount. We lived in several different states. Ironically, I still have a number of true friends in each of those states: California, Texas, Pennsylvania, and here in Illinois.

I spent more than 18 years in broadcasting in Chicago at two different radio stations. My lasting friendships from all those days working together are minimal. Those relationships seemed real at the time.

I’ve now been at our church in both a leadership and staff position since 2005. Truth be told, I have several “friends” – all surface level. From my previous time at another church in five years, I still connect with three “good friends.”

My closest long-standing friendships were developed in a small group I initiated in Pittsburgh. Perhaps all told we had 15 men participating at one time or another. I’ve been gone from that group for more than twenty years. And we still gather every year or two in Myrtle Beach with spouses, and fan the flames of friendship established in weekly meetings between 1991-1999. It’s a rich thing to behold.

I have one “outlier” friend nearby–John Blumberg. Author. Blogger. Business leader. Doesn’t fit in any category except...good friend. We meet 5 to 6 times a year to tell stories, laugh, compare lives, and press into life in challenging ways.

I decided to write about this subject after seeing a recent article in the Wall Street Journal titled, “How to Find and Keep Friends: A Guide for Middle Age.” What does this tell you? It is explained best by the opening line written by the author, Julie Jargon (real name). She writes,“Loneliness is a reality for many of us, now more than ever.” Now there’s a sad commentary!

Her previous column on the subject of loneliness was addressing moms feeling this way in middle age. Her email “box” overflowed with responses. People wanted solutions. And she offered them.

Her eight recommendations come down to this:

For all the strategies, you still have to take initiative—and be vulnerable.

• Just ask 
• Be social, minus the media
• Create a routine
• Try a friendship matchmaking site
• Rethink the hangout
• Book time 
• Do the little things 
• Make the first move

Obviously, if these pointers of hers have struck a chord with you, then read her article in the WSJ. (link below)

Her first and 8th points are similar and quite valid. My Pittsburgh group “happened” because I personally took a chance and met with each “prospect” and laid out the plan for our group. A friendship group. I assured meaningful conversation.

It was the same approach I used in starting similar groups in Roseville, California, and Dallas, Texas. Men’s friendship groups. The kind where men talk openly about their lives. Often, deep stuff. Trust me – committing to that kind of involvement is work for many guys.

From these experiences I’ve created my OWN list of friend-building tips. I’ll share those next week. They might be just what you need these days.

Remember this: “Some friends don't help, but a true friend is closer than your own family.” Proverbs 18:24 (CEV)

That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.wsj.com/articles/being-a-parent-is-lonelyheres-how-to-find-and-keep-friends-in-2022-11643465968

Deep and Wide

It’s truly sad that we set aside a day to focus on a word that is oft misrepresented and misunderstood. It’s not even easy to define. Some toss it around cheaply. Others rarely, if ever, say it. Love. The secret potion behind Valentine’s Day.

For those who grew up in a home without love, or distanced from any such home, you can see why the word is problematic. In its most basic form, a child should feel fully accepted, encouraged, supported, nurtured, and valued. That should be “normal” home life. The kind that produces healthy adults. A “loving” home.

It often isn’t. And to whatever degree those aspects of family love are missing, a search will be on to find others who offer it. Dark roads may ensue.

Acting out for attention in various ways gets you noticed. Even as a small child. Finding support in friends who are not really friends can eventually lead to gangs or peers who lack judgment. Leaning on approval from teachers, “friends,” or older students and adults can make you vulnerable to their wishes for your life. Another dark path.

Eventually, the question deepens: why can’t people accept me for being…me? Or maybe said this way, “Why am I so hard to love?”

Valentine’s Day pushes the envelope on our inner search. Romance seems the secret behind true love. Magazines, Instagram, and media advertising show happy couples who have found their mate. Some who will even say, “You complete me.” How perfect. How unreal.

This is readily proven by the amount of unfaithfulness and breakups in our society. How can this be? Couples march down the aisle and make promises to love and cherish till death parts them. Or marital infidelity. Or the reality that the two were not really “compatible.” Bottom line of a broken marriage: you’re not worth the work.

In that wake, there are often children left to sort out the damage. And wonder if THEY played a part. Doubts rise about true love and marriage. And St. Valentine becomes just a myth.

Thank God there are exceptions. Most of them are couples where a spiritual focus by one or both parties holds on to true love. A bond was formed they consider unbreakable.

Their children see it. As do friends, neighbors, and coworkers. Many wonder how they do it. How can ANYONE love like that?

The shocking truth is that the Creator of the Universe does love in such a way. He has bonded Himself to us by creating us in His image. And despite our immense unfaithfulness, our God tenderly calls us back into His arms in forgivenesses. And full acceptance.

Once this is fully grasped, or as fully as we are able, it challenges us to be lovers like He is. We see people as He does—fallen creatures. Weak. Needing acceptance. Craving for love.

And somewhere in the journey, we perhaps find another soul who loves us in a similar way as our Father. And we want to spend our future with that person. Then we bring to life bundles of joy from our love. It’s a beautiful thing.

On earth we struggle to appreciate God’s great love. Perhaps if this is you, then get to a card shop today and find the most tender, loving, reassuring Valentine’s card available. One that shows lasting commitment. Buy it. Write God’s name at the bottom of it. And read it often.

Or simply re-read these verses from Ephesians 3:18-19: “And I pray that you and all God’s holy people will have the power to understand the greatness of Christ’s love—how wide and how long and how high and how deep that love is. Christ’s love is greater than anyone can ever know, but I pray that you will be able to know that love. Then you can be filled with the fullness of God.” (NCV)

It’s a love to treasure this Valentine’s Day—and every day of the year.

That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://nypost.com/2019/02/06/men-care-more-about-valentines-day-than-women-says-survey/

Don’t Worry. Be Happy.

Don’t worry. Be happy. Such seemingly profound and simple advice.

Perhaps you know of people who seem to move through life in a relatively carefree manner. They may face the same kinds of challenges common to man, but troubles seem to roll off them like rain on a Scotchgard-coated duck. Is there a secret to this?

Something we do know should have us a bit puzzled and troubled. “Happiness” is on the decline. We know this because of results presented in the General Social Survey. They can prove that Americans are increasingly UNHAPPY. When I turned 21 in 1972, our citizens who said they were “very happy” outnumbered those who said they were “not too happy” by about three-to-one. By last year, big turnaround. The unhappy crowd now outnumber the happies among us by 5%!

I assume you know there is such a thing as the World Happiness Report. It ranks nations using measurement tools like overall well-being, diversity, a clean environment, housing, and political stability, among others. From the bottom up, top ten countries on the 2021 World Happiness Report list include Australia. Sweden, New Zealand, Canada, The Netherlands, Switzerland, Iceland, Denmark, Norway, and Finland.

Only one of those countries showed up on the list of nations with the highest divorce rates: Denmark. And none of the countries listed above rank among places where suicide is the highest. (FYI, Russia made BOTH lists.)

We also know suicide rates in the US have been increasing in recent years, with 2021 an exception. It’s been also documented that depression among adults in our country tripled in the early 2020 months of COVID-19,—jumping from 8.5 percent before the pandemic to a staggering 27.8 percent. Research from the Boston University School of Public Health showed an elevated rate of depression not only persisted into 2021, but worsened, affecting 1 in every 3 American adults.

I’m not an expert on the subject of happiness. But I do have a grasp on it. I say this because I’ve been blessed to travel a fair bit overseas. I’ve visited communities best described as “squalor.” I’ve sat among souls who have been persecuted for their religious faith and must move in secret to survive. I’ve sat with people like Joni Eareckson Tada whose diving accident at 17 in the Chesapeake Bay left her a quadriplegic.

In each of these situations, there is no void of happiness. These people face a lot more obstacles in life than most of us. But their internal mechanisms of emotion are not controlled by circumstance.

Contrast this to a woman who had “everything going for her": Cheslie Kryst. Not only was she a Division I athlete, Cheslie had earned a law degree and an MBA at Wake Forest University. As a civil litigation attorney, she performed pro bono work for inmates.

And she had God-given beauty! Cheslie won the Miss USA pageant in 2019 and later a top ten spot at the Miss Universe competition. This opened doors for her to become a correspondent for the entertainment news program, Extra.

Then, just over a week ago, this glamorous 30-year-old woman jumped from a high-rise on West 42nd Street in midtown Manhattan. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The next day, the medical examiner said she died by suicide.

Apparently, about a year ago, Cheslie had written an essay in which she said, “I discovered that the world’s most important question, especially when asked repeatedly and answered frankly, is: why?...Why work so hard to capture the dreams I’ve been taught by society to want when I continue to only find emptiness?”

With all she had going for her, Cheslie lacked the simplest of things: true happiness. Millions are missing the same thing today.

Happiness and joy go hand-in-hand with a deep sense of inner peace—the state of being where all is well.

Jesus of Nazareth said, “I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (ESV)

Yes, tribulation surrounds us. When spiritually centered, we need not worry. And we can…be happy.

That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.bu.edu/articles/2021/depression-rates-tripled-when-pandemic-first-hit/

https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/countries-with-the-happiest-people-in-the-world.html

Birthday Girls

Our youngest “child” turns 40 today. I struggle a bit believing that. Age creeps up when we’re not looking. She seems to be embracing this well.

Her birth took place on a Super Bowl Sunday. I was a little nervous, taking my wife to the hospital, that I might miss the Big Game. Okay…fine. I set the VCR before I left home. (You do remember VCRs, right?)

All turned out well. Ingrid Christine arrived in the early morning hours checking in at a mere 10 pounds 2 ounces—the smallest newborn of our three children. Rhonda, my wife, was made to have babies. No painkillers for her. I shudder to think.

Back in the day, the ignominious PeeWee Herman had a program called PeeWee’s Playhouse. That’s before we knew better. Nonethleless, our kids found it funny.

Each night before falling asleep, little Ingrid and I would lie down together and tease each other saying, “You’re PeeWee.” “No…YOU’RE PeeWee!!” We thought it was very funny. And from that, still today, you might catch me occasionally calling her…”PeeWee."

Of course, Ingrid is not alone in having a birthday on January 24th. Years later, while working in radio in Chicago, I paid tribute to my daughter on air for her birthday. A listener who shared the date wrote to me thanking me for the words I had said to my daughter and claimed them for herself as well. Touching.

Fast forward to last week. Via Facebook, I heard from this former listener again. The message connects to my birthday greeting from years before, but with quite an unusual twist.

Writes Kathy, “Hello Mark! You may very well not remember me. I surely was one of yours and Dave’s biggest (radio) fans! I’ve not found anyone who comes close! When I saw a Facebook post of yours pop up recently I was reminded of my birthday that I share with your Princess! I remember driving into work that morning feeling sorry for myself, feeling somewhat forgotten. I told you I was going to commandeer all the beautiful things you were saying for myself. You sent me a lovely card and I always think of you so fondly!”

Radio personalities never truly know how meaningful connections can be. So it was encouraging to hear from Kathy. But then, this…

“As you well know that birthday is rolling around again and for me it appears to be my last. I am with hospice now fighting pancreatic cancer. The doctor has given me about 5 more months. I am at total peace with the entire situation because I have left it all in God’s hands. I know even when I don’t understand His will, or necessarily like His will, I know I can trust His will!!! I’ve already seen miraculous things happen because of this diagnosis. So, I’m perfectly ready to walk the path I’m on.”

Remarkable faith, is it not? Kathy ended with a simple request…

“My two granddaughters are graduating in June and my prayer is that God will allow me to attend. I know it’s a long shot but it’s not too much for God to handle. So I simply ask that you would pray that God would grant this request—an early birthday gift! Thank you, Mark! And a very happy birthday to your Princess!”

I responded to her, agreeing to pray as she requested. And I opened by saying she sent such said news. But she disagreed. Writing back, she wrote, “Oh please don’t think of it as sad. I am so at peace with our Father’s plan.”

What is it that gives such confidence and peace to a person in the face of their departure from this earth? Kathy grasps the power of 2 Corinthians 5:8 which reads, “Yes, we are fully confident, and we would rather be away from these earthly bodies, for then we will be at home with the Lord.” (NLT)

Kathy harbors no ill will toward God. She knows He loves her deeply and will bring her safely home. Maybe…by His grace, she’ll “graduate” after her granddaughters in June. I pray it is so.

To both of these special “birthday girls,” may you have a treasured day.

That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Life is a Beautiful Thing

While a high school junior and living in Sidney, Montana, I was privileged to play the role of Georg Von Trapp in the musical The Sound of Music. For a small community, it became a rather large production. The role of Maria was played by a superb soprano (Beth Petrik). We appeared on a nearby television station and even performed for the governor. Two to three thousand people attended the two performances. What a memory!

The real Maria Von Trapp was quite a woman! Several decades ago, a book was published titled, The Story of the Trapp Family Singers. A particularly interesting story was shared about how the family arrived in America while Maria was pregnant with her son, Johannes. He would be the youngest of their ten children. But almost wasn’t.

In this same time period, the Von Trapps were in a financial struggle.

The family had recently lost their fortune in a bank crash in Europe. During her pregnancy, Maria visited a doctor complaining of severe back pains. She was told she needed to abort the baby.

From her book Maria wrote, “Your wife cannot have another child,” the doctor informed Georg, “at least, not until the kidneys are back to normal. They are both badly infected … The child has to be removed, of course, immediately.” As a devout Catholic, this was an unacceptable choice. One she refused to make. The doctor went so far as to say, ‘The child won’t be born alive; this much I can tell you.”

But he was wrong. After much prayer, Johannes was born a healthy American boy. Maria Von Trapp has encouraged families to trust in God when they are facing similar struggles.

A more recent and dramatic story of a life preserved was shared last June in a radio broadcast of the ministry Focus on the Family. It told the story of Claire Culwell. Claire’s birth mom was just 14 years old when she gave birth to a daughter after an abortion procedure took the life of Claire's twin in the womb.

Claire’s birth mom, Tonya Glasby, became pregnant at 13. Obviously, a very scared young girl. But what to do?

Tonya explained, “And so I confided in my best friend Romy and told her…It came down to where I had to tell my mom, the most frightening day of my entire life.” The response from Tonya’s mother was immediate. “We’ve got to get rid of it. We can’t…you cannot do this, you cannot drag our family name through the ground.”

Tonya would indeed go to an abortion clinic to “dispose” of the baby. And then returned to school. But all was not well. She told her friend Romy something was wrong. She still felt “pregnant” — which she was despite not being sexually active.

The first abortion clinic refused to do another procedure as Tonya was too far along. They sent her to Kansas to abort the 20-week-old baby—a twin to the first! But things changed. Tonya decided to give birth and put the baby up for adoption—against her mother’s wishes. This she did. And Claire was given life!

Remarkably, birth mother and daughter were later reunited! God healed the relationship of Claire and her birth mom through a spirit of forgiveness. Both women now boldly speak out for preborn babies. Claire, now married with four children, is also the author of a new book, Survivor: An Abortion Survivor’s Surprising Story of Choosing Forgiveness and Finding Redemption.

Many churches recognize the third Sunday in January as Sanctity of Human Life Sunday. This year, that date fell yesterday—on January 16th. However, a number of churches will mark it on January 23rd because of the anniversary of the famed Roe v Wade decision. (January 22nd)

Chicagoland has many pro-life ministry resources. Support them. You never know whose life you’ll save.

As the Scriptures tell us, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, and before you were born I consecrated you; I appointed you a prophet to the nations.” - Jeremiah 1:5

Life. It’s a beautiful thing.

That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.lifenews.com/2021/12/28/doctor-told-sound-of-music-heroine-maria-von-trapp-to-abort-her-disabled-baby-she-refused-and-baby-was-healthy/

https://www.focusonthefamily.com/episodes/broadcast/an-abortion-survivors-story-of-forgiveness/

Madden & Eternity

Football legend, broadcaster, and video game pitchman John Madden died last week. He was 85. He died “unexpectedly.” Oddly, it was just a couple of days after a massive tribute to his life was shown on Fox Sports. And the 62nd wedding anniversary of the Maddens.

This man seemed to relish life. And people loved his down home sense of humanity. I had my grudges. His Raiders beat my Vikings in one of their four Super Bowl losses. It’s been forgiven.

John seemed to repeatedly say he had a very good life. He got to do what he wanted to do all the way through: teach. And he was good at it.

I can’t say I know a ton of people who can reflect on their earthly term with such enthusiasm. I’m not sure I can find the masses who even believe 2021 was a very good year. Yet, of course, it was in many ways. Perspective, I suppose.

My playlist last Friday morning, as I rode my exercise bike on New Year’s Eve, included a couple of leftover Christmastime songs that really deal more with snow and such. I have an affection for an old Bing Crosby tune titled "Wonderful White World of Winter." I played that one and chuckled over the lyric about bumping “your little noggin” on the toboggan. Don’t hear that king of thing anymore!

Then I mused over Karen Carpenter’s "What are You Doing New Year’s Eve?" And the classic "Same Auld Lang Syne" along with a Mannheim Steamroller version of the real song. I ended my morning ride with a bit of a twist—"It was a Very Good Year" sung by the master crooner himself, Frank Sinatra.

Weird about that song. I remember hearing it early on in life. It was recorded in 1965. I was 14. And I would note as he sang about aging that I had not even hit the first benchmark—17! Then the final verse begins, “But now my days are short. I’m in the autumn of my years…” Haunting to hear that now. I feel I’ve arrived. Last birthday was #70. Is that “old”? Depends on who you ask.

How old is old? My wife and I go round and round on that. Her maternal grandparents reached 100. Mine lived into their 70s as did my mother. My father died at 55.

Don’t ask Methuselah! The biblical legend lived to age 960. People lived MUCH older back then. Frequently 700-900 years. (I think your 900th birthday usually included a small of group of friends who talked about health issues and memory problems. Has nothing changed?)

Today, if you’re pushing 100 before you’re pushing up daisies you’ve had a LONG life. I can’t imagine my trek lasting that long. Nor do I want it to. I’m already falling apart.

Sergei Scherbov and Warren Sanderson are demographers at the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis. In their recent book, Prospective Longevity: A New Vision of Population Again, they posit that chronological age only reveals how long we’ve lived so far. To determine whether you’ve earned the distinction of “old,” it’s better to consider how many years of life expectancy one has remaining. The demographers call this your “prospective age.”

Their view is that a person should be considered “old” when their life expectancy is 15 years or less. I would put myself in that category. I am unofficially, then, a fossil.

Psalm 90 was a prayer written by Moses. He said, “Seventy years are given to us! Some even live to eighty. But even the best years are filled with pain and trouble; soon they disappear, and we fly away.” Psalm 90:10 (NLT) It seems King David lived to about 70 years old.

But the real rubber-meets-the-road of John Madden’s famous bus not with the quality of this life, but the next. I know John’s long-time broadcast partner, Pat Summerall, came to trust in Jesus for eternity. I don’t know about John.

He grew up attending Catholic school. And according to one source, “John Madden…has always had Christian ideas and faith.” I hope that’s true, so that the joy he felt in this life will continue into the next.

For the record, John Madden was born in Austin, Minnesota. I wonder if deep down he was a Viking at heart? Hmmmm.

That’s Forward Thinking. Click on the link to the right to connect via Facebook.

You can find a number of YouTube episodes and podcasts of Mark’s program, Moving People Forward at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCosyuBzdSh1mXIas_kGY2Aw?

For more information on the Elfstrand Group, please visit www.elfstrandgroup.com

Articles of interest:

https://www.advisory.com/en/daily-briefing/2019/06/19/age

https://www.amazon.com/Prospective-Longevity-Vision-Population-Aging-ebook/dp/B07TGDSDL6