Are you asking yourself these questions:

• Who am I now that my children are grown and gone?
• What’s my purpose now that my kids have left home?
• What gifts and talents do I have to offer?
• What should my priorities be?
• How do I become something more than “Mom?”

I don't remember at what point, but I do remember how weird it felt not to be known as "Joey's Mom" anymore. I thought I was ready for the empty nest, but I didn't realize how different everything would be. That's why I invited Kate Battistelli to talk with us about the empty nest - the second chapter - and fresh purpose for the second half of your life.

Remember, Mom is one of your names … but it’s not your only name.

Empty Nester Giveaway Below

https://monicaschmelter.com/resources

Welcome to Hope for the Journey – Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.

FREE RESOURCES:

Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at https://monicaschmelter.com/resources

Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.

Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it’s never too late to start anew.

Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life’s journey with faith and hope.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

This week, we’re talking to the woman over 40 who’s in a season of transition—whether it’s empty nesting, career changes, divorce recovery, or simply feeling stuck. Life may not look like what you imagined, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to grow, heal, or rediscover your purpose.

Through personal stories, scripture, and quiet encouragement, we reflect on how consistent prayer—no matter how imperfect—can gently shift everything over time. God is still writing your story, and He hasn’t forgotten you.

In this episode, we cover:

• What prayer looks like in real, everyday life

• How to trust God in the “in-between”

• Encouragement for starting fresh at any age

✨ Your journey isn't over. It’s just unfolding.

Monica’s Story She Prayed and Slowly Everything Changed

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Welcome to Hope for the Journey – Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption.

Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.

Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it’s never too late to start anew.

Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life’s journey with faith and hope.

FREE RESOURCES:

Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at https://monicaschmelter.com/resources

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you or someone you know is stuck in addiction or abuse - you need to hear these freedom stories. Shakia and Jessie both became addicted and were abused. Today - they are free and so are their children. Freedom is God's idea and freedom is possible. #freedom #recovery #healthy

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Jessie was introduced to drugs by her parents. She started using meth at a young age and ended up in a life of addiction and abuse. Her addiction became so bad they she lost custody of her daughter. Jessie has an amazing story of restoration with her daughter - and the life of freedom they are all living now. #addiction # abuse #freedom

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

I invited Rob Decker to join me in this conversation because it’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God’s presence and love shelter and protect us. Rob struggled with rejection, drug and alcohol abuse, and a myriad of other challenges. But in his darkest moments God found him and restored his life. Now Rob is a husband, father, recovery coach and serves in many other capacities. If you need encouragement or you are wrestling with your own struggles, this Bridges episode offers hope and the reassurance that, in Christ, we are never alone. It’s a reminder that faith is not just a comfort but a source of unwavering strength.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

If you’re struggling with depression or your mental health, this Bridges episode is just for you. Kenza Haddock, licensed counselor merges mental health counsel with spiritual warfare, Monica and Kenza’s conversation will guide you through practical strategies to overcome the devil's schemes, tame the desires of the flesh, and navigate the challenges posed by the world. This Bridges episode gives believers a road map for addressing the complexities of their mental health journey, arming them with knowledge, insight, and practical tools to claim the joy, peace, and abundant life Jesus died for them to have.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Discover how setting limits will set your free. Boundaries will give you the room to establish priorities and enjoy your life. No is a complete sentence and requires NO explanation.

Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.