Nearing Home: Life, Faith, and Finishing Well Hardcover – October 17, 2011

"Growing old has been the greatest surprise of my life." This is the first sentence in chapter one. It seems like a paradox at first - after all, once you've reached old age you've had decades to prepare for it, so it should be no surprise. But Billy Graham explains that once the weaknesses and illnesses come, especially after a vigorous life, it can be a surprise. He wrote this book when his physical life was growing weak, but his mind was still very strong, as a friend to Christians, giving advice about transversing through the "golden years" with grace, with confidence in where we're going after this life, and with still fulfilling the purpose that God has for us while we are here. Wonderful book.

My wife and I read this book together. It has many inspiring thoughts, and it also covers some very practical issues that we face getting older. A great resource.

From the time I opened the book Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well by Billy Graham in 2012, I was unable to put it down! The book is about life, faith and finishing well...a subject well lived by Billy Graham. In this beautiful book written at age 92, Billy examines his purpose and path towards eternity. As I read the book I immediately thought of family members I would share the book with. Not willing to let go of my own copy- because I love it so much- I'm going to need a few more copies to pass along to others. This month I decided to re-read the book because I enjoyed it so much.Billy writes about life lessons and aging. You don't need to be a retired senior citizen to enjoy the book. In fact, you should read it now and find encouragement for your future. In the chapter on retirement, Billy Graham writes "See your retirement as a gift from God. Retirement isn't something that just happens if you life long enough, and it isn't even a reward for your years of hard work; it is a gift from God. Once you understand this, you'll approach retirement differently." He suggests that seniors need to teach younger generations and share their wisdom, while at the same time learning from today's youth. He writes "No matter who we are, retirement presents us with two choices. Either we can use it to indulge ourselves, or we can use it to make an impact on the lives of others." According to Billy Graham, "retirement provides us the opportunity to spend more time doing God's work, serving others in the name of the Lord."Getting old is not just about retirement and physical ailments, it's about our continuing relationship with God. In the book Nearing Home, Billy Graham also shares guidelines for managing money, planning your will, and planning your future. My favorite expression is "when youth fades" as he describes the effects of age on physical beauty. In a very tender moment, he shares his own grief after the passing of his wife Ruth.I'd recommend reading this book at any age or stage of life. Billy Graham writes with eloquence and his words will imprint a lasting message on your mind. His book has been on the bestseller list for some time, so if you've had a chance to read Nearing Home please share your comments below.********************************10 Quotes from Nearing Home: Life, Faith and Finishing Well #TweetThisThe Bible doesn't hide the negative side of getting older--nor should we. Billy GrahamScripture is filled with examples of men and women whom God used late in life, often with great impact. Billy GrahamThe mirror doesn't lie, but I can smile into it because my dim eyesight camouflages my wrinkles. Billy GrahamThere is much the young can learn from those who have traveled the distance. Billy GrahamI have never heard the voice of the Lord audibly, but the Lord has spoken to me many times throughout my life. Billy GrahamIf I had to summarize in one word the changes that come over us as we grow older, I'd probably have to use the word decline. Billy GrahamYour strength may fade, but He is the One who will lift you up and help you stand strong in your weakness. Billy GrahamWe are never alone if we know Christ; He lives within us by His Spirit. Billy GrahamAs the old grow older, we are more likely to forget what it was to be young and impressionable. Billy GrahamOur greatest impact on others often comes not from what we say but from what we do. Billy Graham*******************************************Reviewed byChristine Abraham, Founder and Ministry Director at WomensBibleCafe.com

I've read most of Billy Graham's books and thought this one might be a little different. It is. It's Billy Graham as a person. It's a quiet, sensitive, practical conversation, the kind you might have with a very close friend. We might have said to him, "How did you really feel about..." and he tells us. He shares his heart with us. At the same time, it isn't a sentimental tear-jerker kind of a book. It's a book about how we can have a victorious journey. It's very much like sitting there in front of a fireplace and talking for hours, about getting older, planning for retirement, helping your parents with financial planning, helping your children face their own need for planning for the unexpected, how other faithful followers of Jesus have led by their example in old age, losing loved ones, thinking about the reunion with your loved ones at some time in the future--getting closer all the time, being ushered "into the eternal presence of my Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ", and leaving a legacy.Speaking of leaving a legacy, Rev. Graham talks about his friends that many of us feel like we know well, Cliff Barrows, aged 88 at the time of this writing, and George Beverly Shea, aged 102, who Billy Graham says "thinks of me as his younger friend." He tells about recent impressive events. Cliff Barrows directed at one and at a different event "Bev" sang, at 102 years of age. Legacy, indeed! That just makes me smile and brings (happy) tears to my eyes.Toward the middle of the book the discussion turns to where I suspect his heart and thoughts are much of the time, on his beloved wife Ruth who died 4 years ago. I laughed out loud at what she requested to be put on her tombstone, and laughed even more when I found that that they actually honored her request. "End of Construction. Thank you for your patience." He gave the special verses that she quoted often during the last part of her life here on earth. Having heard her lovely voice and distinctive accent, I was able to "hear" her quoting those verses from memory. Toward the end of the book I found a topic that I was hoping for, Heaven.Billy Graham talked throughout his book about how God speaks through His scriptures. Something he wrote about that hit home with me, just a simple sentence about not letting other readings interfere with your reading of God's word, but I can't find it now and don't want to misquote it. Reading God's Word is a continuing theme throughout the book, as you'll see when you read it.Finally, the part that will make a difference in my life is about our mistakes. "We look back over our experiences along life's journey, we may have regrets about the choices we have made, but remember, that was then...this is now." I needed to hear that. Even when we know that God has forgiven us through Jesus Christ, it isn't easy to forgive ourselves. It's easier to keep beating ourselves up, at least that's been my method, but as Billy Graham said, "that was then...this is now."This is a comfortable personal conversation with Billy Graham. It's all about faith.

This only deals with condition and receipt of book. I will return when I have read the book to add comments. Goodwill of So. PA, the seller listed the book as "Used - Acceptable - The cover has curled corners. The cover has visible markings and wear." The cover on the copy I received is in perfect condition, as is the spine; the page edges are not curled and have no marks, neither do any of the pages. It arrived on the earliest day of the 8 day est. delivery window. Extremely pleased with seller and with purchase.

It was a good read. One can only imagine the impact of old age on a man who exercised a world-wide ministry for over 50 years, compounded by being widowed of his much loved wife, to have to be helped out a chair and walking with the aid of a frame. But this adds value to the book since the author was himself old and nearing life's end. Billy Graham came to discover the problems and challenges of old age, how depressing and frustrating it can be - and how hard to depend on others for the help you need. The author rises above these and suggests ways in which one can guard against resentment and regret. Life beyond the grave through faith in Jesus Christ is the great catalyst, encouraging positive hope of meeting loved ones and spending eternity in the presence of Almighty God. There is also much practical advice about making a Will and sorting possessions to avoid leaving behind problems for ones family to deal with. i recommend this book.

A lot of wise advice about growing old, and how to live old age well. It concentrates on thinking about the memories other people will have of us after we have gone, and whether those around us will feel our example is one to follow or one to shun.Some practical aspects of ageing and facing death are discussed in a pragmatic, but in no way dogmatic manner.A reassuring book for me, from one of the modern-day grand old masters. Who better to write a book like this, and whose example better to follow?A simply written book in clear English; easy to understand.

Having read Nearing Home on my Kindle Billy Graham speaks about how getting older becomes a challenge. Of course it happens to everyone, Billy shares his experience of ageing and is open about the physical effects it has on our bodies. His faith in God shines through this book, a great encouragement to all who have a living faith in Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord. I purchased the Book to give to a Sister who lost her husband recently. I'm sure it will be of comfort to her. Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Nearing Home and arriving is a glorious hope for all believers.

Billy Graham's practical wisdom on life, here and beyond, continues. This book contains commonsense advice for the current older generation and for everyone, whatever stage they may be at on the journey of life. It is written in Billy's understanding style without being patronising.As usual with Graham's writings and ministry the Christian message is clearly given, together with insights into growing older and how he has coped with each stage of lessening energy.I found this to be a very encouraging and helpful book, and in no way depressing, as might be expected from this subject.It would make a great Christmas gift and is a 'must have'for anyone over 40!

So glad God is keeping Dr. Graham alive on this earth to bless us yet again with this realistic and wise book which every senior citizen should have. This book is better than any secular counselling I have known on the subject of Retirement. I have been immensely encouraged by his wisdom and realistic message. May he continue to send his thoughts all over the world.