Missy Buchanan
@missybuchanan.bsky.social
Author-speaker on topics of faithful aging. I have penned 11 books for Upper Room Books.
"The process of maturing, aging and eventually dying is designed to teach us... that we are not in charge, that self-sufficiency is an illusion." -Ronald Rolheiser, Insane for the Light
December 7, 2025 at 11:34 AM
"The process of maturing, aging and eventually dying is designed to teach us... that we are not in charge, that self-sufficiency is an illusion." -Ronald Rolheiser, Insane for the Light
On this beautiful December morning, I got to hear my friend and fellow Upper Room Books author Beth A. Richardson speak at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Austin TX. The topic: Staying Grounded in the Wilderness. ‘Twas balm for the soul!
December 6, 2025 at 8:51 PM
On this beautiful December morning, I got to hear my friend and fellow Upper Room Books author Beth A. Richardson speak at St. John’s United Methodist Church in Austin TX. The topic: Staying Grounded in the Wilderness. ‘Twas balm for the soul!
Grandparenting hack for simplifying Christmas— I buy each of my grandkids a personalized Santa bag. As their gifts are purchased or delivered, I unbox them, then put them into their bag. No additional wrapping required… and the kids, ages 9 to 17, love it!
December 5, 2025 at 2:31 PM
Grandparenting hack for simplifying Christmas— I buy each of my grandkids a personalized Santa bag. As their gifts are purchased or delivered, I unbox them, then put them into their bag. No additional wrapping required… and the kids, ages 9 to 17, love it!
Academic degrees, trophies, titles and awards are terrific, but don't confuse achievements with Christlike fruitfulness. #journeyofaging
December 5, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Academic degrees, trophies, titles and awards are terrific, but don't confuse achievements with Christlike fruitfulness. #journeyofaging
Important questions to ponder! Think beyond your own family.
December 4, 2025 at 11:39 AM
Important questions to ponder! Think beyond your own family.
When my parents were in their late 80's, I hired a harpist to play Christmas carols at their table in the community dining room of their senior living center. They really enjoyed sharing this gift of music with their friends and neighbors. Get permission from their senior living director.
December 3, 2025 at 11:23 AM
When my parents were in their late 80's, I hired a harpist to play Christmas carols at their table in the community dining room of their senior living center. They really enjoyed sharing this gift of music with their friends and neighbors. Get permission from their senior living director.
Surprise a homebound older adult by decorating a tree outside the window where he/ she spends the most time. The lights will cheer them on dreary days! Be a #JoyBooster
December 2, 2025 at 10:48 PM
Surprise a homebound older adult by decorating a tree outside the window where he/ she spends the most time. The lights will cheer them on dreary days! Be a #JoyBooster
On the journey of aging, there will be hard things. Let them bring you closer to God.
December 2, 2025 at 11:37 AM
On the journey of aging, there will be hard things. Let them bring you closer to God.
On this #CyberMonday, remember that the gift most older loved ones want is the gift of unhurried time with you.
December 1, 2025 at 11:23 AM
On this #CyberMonday, remember that the gift most older loved ones want is the gift of unhurried time with you.
Help older adults in a senior living community experience the nativity story. Borrow costumes from your church and adapt them for mobility issues. Provide backstage helpers to assist with costumes, directions, etc. Have a narrator read the Christmas story. Sing carols.
November 30, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Help older adults in a senior living community experience the nativity story. Borrow costumes from your church and adapt them for mobility issues. Provide backstage helpers to assist with costumes, directions, etc. Have a narrator read the Christmas story. Sing carols.
It's a hard truth based on my experiences as I travel the globe to interact with older adults and church leaders. Don't misunderstand, there are some fabulous older adult ministries…, but as a general rule, the church needs to be honest about how little effort is given in this area.
November 28, 2025 at 2:45 PM
It's a hard truth based on my experiences as I travel the globe to interact with older adults and church leaders. Don't misunderstand, there are some fabulous older adult ministries…, but as a general rule, the church needs to be honest about how little effort is given in this area.
One Christmas idea for older adults in sr living or homebound--offer to create a photo card of them in holiday attire. Then address their cards if too tedious for them, and provide stamps. Include their return address so their own mailbox will fill in return. #SeniorGiftGuide #throwback2018
November 28, 2025 at 12:06 PM
One Christmas idea for older adults in sr living or homebound--offer to create a photo card of them in holiday attire. Then address their cards if too tedious for them, and provide stamps. Include their return address so their own mailbox will fill in return. #SeniorGiftGuide #throwback2018
You are shaping your legacy now. How will you choose to live?
November 28, 2025 at 11:48 AM
You are shaping your legacy now. How will you choose to live?
A good reminder on this Thanksgiving Day... and on any day!
November 27, 2025 at 11:34 AM
A good reminder on this Thanksgiving Day... and on any day!
It’s not too late to add some vintage photos to your Thanksgiving tablescape today. Taking time to remember your blessings prompts gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
November 27, 2025 at 11:09 AM
It’s not too late to add some vintage photos to your Thanksgiving tablescape today. Taking time to remember your blessings prompts gratitude. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!
We should not assume spiritual maturity because of age, personality, giftedness or platform. The only true measurement is character and fruit of the Spirit-- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
November 26, 2025 at 12:06 PM
We should not assume spiritual maturity because of age, personality, giftedness or platform. The only true measurement is character and fruit of the Spirit-- love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
Having finished the last episode of PBS docuseries The American Revolution, I propose that every US congressman/ woman come together & watch the entire series over a long weekend, then be led in table discussions by Ken Burns & the historians who spoke in the series.
November 26, 2025 at 12:47 AM
Having finished the last episode of PBS docuseries The American Revolution, I propose that every US congressman/ woman come together & watch the entire series over a long weekend, then be led in table discussions by Ken Burns & the historians who spoke in the series.
It’s a great day to think of older adults who would enjoy seeing their holiday decorations but don’t have the energy to drag out the boxes and get it done. The best gift you could give them is to offer your time to help them put up & take down their beloved decorations.
November 25, 2025 at 12:14 PM
It’s a great day to think of older adults who would enjoy seeing their holiday decorations but don’t have the energy to drag out the boxes and get it done. The best gift you could give them is to offer your time to help them put up & take down their beloved decorations.
