I’ve Decided Media

Living a Life Decided with Kim - Jerry Harkness

🎙️ Living a Life Decided: Jerry Harkness – From Retirement to Purposeful Service

In this episode of Living a Life Decided, we sit down with a man who proves that retirement isn’t the end—it’s a new beginning. Meet Jerry Harkness from Peoria Illinois, a retired Caterpillar Inc. professional who, instead of slowing down, chose to step up.

After decades of hard work, Jerry found himself in a maintenance role at a retirement home. But something stirred in him—a desire for more clarity, more purpose, and more impact. That’s when he joined I’ve Decided in February 2023, seeking what we provide in “all the pieces of the puzzle.”

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With his wife Jeannine by his side, Jerry made a bold decision: to retire—again—in December 2023. But this time, it wasn’t about stepping away. It was about stepping into something greater. Together, they launched Happy 2 Help, a business built on compassion and community. Their mission? To serve and support individuals in their area, offering practical help and heartfelt connection.

Jerry’s story is a powerful reminder that living a life decided means choosing purpose over passivity, and service over stagnation. He didn’t just retire—he re-fired his passion to make a difference.

📞 Want to connect with Jerry or see how Happy 2 Help can support you or someone you love? Reach out at 309-922-9630. Let him know you found his number from the podcast.

Living a Life Decided with Kim Martin - Michelle King

Michelle R. King currently works as a Registered Nurse (RN) in the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) stabilizing patients after surgery.

She has worked in health care for over 35 years. She resides in Illinoi with her daughter, grandson, and son. When she’s not working in the hospital or writing she is focused on health, nutrition, wellness in addition to balancing her Mind, Body and Spirit.

She knew young that she wanted to help people and decided to write this book as an extension of that. she aspires to help as many people as possible in life because she finds it fulfilling, Michell also believes that everyone has a story about how to overcome different tests and trials in life. Something that she follows is, "I have learned that nobody knows you better than you. Wholistic care is essential to having a balance. Internal love supersedes any other form of love outside of us. Once we begin to look within our own heart, we will meet our "true self" and not who society has suggested you should be or become.

To God be the Glory,

Michelle R. King BSN, RNL

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Living a Life Decided with Kim - Peggy Jacques

Peggy Jacques - Founder of Graceland Center for Purposeful Aging as a 501c3 nonprofit with a mission to enhance the lives of older adults through connections, education, and innovation!

Masters prepared Registered Nurse with experience in Critical Care, Public Health, Employee Health, Infection Control, Nursing Management, Nursing Education for BSN Students and Nursing Leadership, Patient Education Coordinator, Faith Community Health Nursing, and Outpatient Palliative Care. Professional goals are to continue the advancement of nursing professionalism in every aspect of health care delivery, particularly nursing care provided to vulnerable populations such as those living in poverty, the elderly, and the disadvantaged.

 

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What You Pursue Changes Everything!

Pursue is not just chasing after fleeting pleasures, but having the courage and faith to pursue the God-given dreams planted in your heart. It’s about taking bold, consistent steps toward a life that honors God and brings true meaning, not just to your life, but to the lives of those around you. The life you've imagined, the dream you've been given, the calling on your life, it’s all waiting on the other side of a courageous decision to pursue. What you pursue matters!

 

Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Reverend Craig Williams, Executive Director of South Side Mission, about this weeks, weekly winning word, Pursue! 

 

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Let's talk about stepping boldy into your purpose and calling!

There are seasons for waiting and preparing, but there are also moments when the next right step is to move forward. You’ve done the research, you’ve weighed the options, you’ve prayed, and now, it’s time to act. Sometimes, success is just waiting on you to go.

Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Marcellus Sommerville, CEO, Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service, about this weeks, weekly winning word, GO!

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What do you attribute your success to?

If you want to succeed, you need to identify what truly contributes to your progress and what holds you back. 

Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Christine Bare Kemper, Candidate for ICC Board of Trustees, about this weeks, weekly winning word, attribute!

Explore how small intentional actions can protect your future self!

By preparing for the future and taking proactive steps today, you’re safeguarding yourself against potential obstacles. As the saying goes, “What you do today determines your tomorrow.” Every effort you make now—whether in health, finances, personal growth, or spirituality—is an act of coverage, a way of protecting and equipping your future self.

Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with David Bell, Owner of Life Line to Health, about this weeks, weekly winning word, coverage!

 

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Are you ready to stop spinning your wheels and start moving forward?

Without clarity on what truly matters, it’s easy to fall into the trap of expending urgency on distractions that yield little progress. We challenge you to embrace urgency with intention. Be quick to act on what God is calling you to do, but just as quick to discern what is truly necessary. By focusing your energy on the right priorities, you’ll be one step closer to living the purpose-filled life you’re designed for. 

Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Kim Martin, Founder of I've Decided, about this weeks, weekly winning word, urgent!  

 

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Have you thought about the patterns shapping your life?

Just as a seamstress uses a pattern to create a well-tailored garment, you must establish patterns in your life that align with the success you desire. Without these guiding structures, it becomes almost impossible to know where to begin, what steps to take, or how to ensure your actions are leading you toward the outcome you seek. Success doesn’t happen by accident; it follows a blueprint. And that blueprint is your pattern.

 

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The beauty of embracing what sets you apart!

When you honor your individuality, you unlock the potential to contribute to the world in ways that no one else can, no matter how hard they try. Instead of blending in, remember that your uniqueness is your greatest asset. It’s what makes you extraordinary! What sets you apart?

Listen in as host Andy Thornton talks with Jim Barrack, President and C.E.O. of Barrack's Cater Inn, about this weeks, weekly winning word, Distinct!

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