The Great Emptying

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

 

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

 

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:

1. Walk most days: 20 to 30 minutes outside can do wonders for your heart and your head.

2. Clean up the basics: More water, more greens, and enough protein. Consistency beats "trendy" every time.

3. Protect your sleep: 7–9 hours isn't a luxury; it’s your body’s internal repair shop.

4. Stay connected: Call a friend or spend time with family. Joy is a biological necessity; it lowers stress in ways no supplement can.

5. 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!)

 

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!

 

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

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?

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)

 

Past, Present, and Future!

 

2026!

Returning to Ohio

Victoria and I hope this post finds you doing well!  We wanted to take a moment to share a quick update on some changes in our plans and also reach out with a request for your prayers and potential help.

As many of you know, our original plan was to follow our grandson and his parents, Darren and Emily, as they continue in their military career.  However, life has a way of throwing curve-balls, and there have been some unexpected changes.  Darren will be returning to Camp Pendleton in Southern California in May, which has altered our course a bit.  As a result, we are now planning to return to Ohio after assisting Darren and Emily with their move.

As you may recall, we sold our home in Xenia last year, so we are looking for a new place to call home starting mid-to-late May.  If you know of any available rental properties, or if you have any other suggestions, we’d be incredibly grateful for your help and insights.

We’d love to stay connected, so please don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know how we can be praying for you as well.

Thank you for your continued love and support—it means the world to us!

Move to Texas Complete! #grandson

 

Happy Father's Day 2024

 

Texas

 

Memorial Day 2023

 

Psalm 90:12

 

To Illinois for NALC Disaster Response

Another trip for the North American Lutheran Church Disaster Response organization. This time to pick up supplies from two churches for Hurricane Ian victims.

On the road again...

Victoria even did some of the driving!

At Saint Paul's Lutheran Church in Metropolis IL

Loading relief kits at St Paul's

A quick stop at Illinois Oldest State Park on the way out of town

Next stop, American Lutheran Church in Rantoul IL

Loading relief supplies

Buckets and Boxes!

Our loading crew in Rantoul with the truck loaded and ready to go

Mission Accomplished! Back at the NALC Warehouse in Caldwell OH

NALC Trip From Ohio to Colorado

I was recently offered the opportunity to drive a truck loaded with disaster response supplies from OH to CO. My friend Paul agreed to co-drive with me on this l-o-n-g trip. This was for the North American Lutheran Church Disaster Response organization. 

Truck loaded and ready to go at the NALC Disaster Response warehouse

On the road heading west...

Dinner in Colorado Springs

Truck at the church warehouse in Black Forest CO

Unloading underway

Stocking the warehouse

On the road heading back east...

Mission Accomplished

Kayaking Mad River

 

2 Corinthians 5:7