We're Not Done Yet: Recent Episodes
Susan Macias
As empty nest moms, how can we answer God's call now, even after our failures and mistakes? I believe the enemy wants us to feel defeated and useless. But the Lord calls us to build His Kingdom every day. Where can you serve the Lord in the second half of life? This podcast exists to help you figure that out.
Do you have the chance to go overseas on a mission trip but you feel too old? You aren't sure if you can handle the long flight? Or what about the weird food? After listening to this amazing testimony of Karen Walthall, I bet you will feel different! We are NEVER too old to serve the Lord!
Find out more about Finding Home on the Finding Home Landing Page
Are you tired of making resolutions and then forgetting all about them in a month? This year the Lord is challenging me to change up what to focus on. What would happen if we focused less on ourselves and more on Jesus?
What are you planning for 2024?
This episode if full of sound wisdom and good advice for the Believer in Jesus who feels scared about the current state of world affairs.
How do we live in hope and not fear with the world and Israel in the turmoil that it is? Get information, advice, and resources to face our times with resolution and hope that history is unfolding according to God’s plan.
Arlie Francis of Disciple Daily will give us great insight of today's biggest headline.
Disciple Daily:https://discipledaily.org/our-story
Other resources mentioned on the podcast:
One For Israelhttps://www.oneforisrael.org/
Ariel Ministries
Arnold Fructenbaum
https://www.ariel.org/
Lisa Woolery brings great advice and practical encouragement about how to face Christmas as a widow. I also found great tools for walking beside friends who are going through this.
Do you have big plans for 2024 but you aren't quite sure how to get it all done? Then you are going to love today's podcast. I have learned so much from Christa Hutchins. She equips busy communicators and leaders with project management and problem solving skills so they can turn their big ideas into successful ministry or business.
Link to Christa's Retreat: Do Your Thing Retreat
Bethany Kimsey will fill you with hope and give you some actual tools to use with your young or adult kids. Her goal is to connect motherhood to the love of Jesus in practical ways, and to help you see how the gospel is true in every moment and at every stage of your mothering.
Bethany Kimsey Website
Bethany's Podcast: The Warrior Mama Podcast
Ruthie Gray has used her empty nest years to help others figure out how to use their own well. And now her new book can help you do the same. How does God want to stir passions in you to serve Him exactly where you are now?!
Empty Nest Awakening
Do you struggle with the continual weight of shame over your sin? Do you want to be free of that? As Christians, we need to take sin seriously. But also the work and promised of Jesus. Using Ephesians 1:3-7, come discover where true freedom lies!
Kathi Lipp's new book The Accidental Homesteader: What I've Learned About Chickens, Compost, and Creating Home. In this beautiful, informative, helpful, delightful book you will find inspiration, humor, and even recipes.
This interview dives into how the twists and turns of life where the unplanned is exactly what happens, God's kind and gentle purposes will take over and rule our lives.
www.susankmacias.com/podcast/512
How do we stay on the narrow path? How do we keep from falling toward legalism in our efforts to be righteous? Or falling the other way into easy grace? The church needs our testimonies of this struggle and how we strive to follow the Lord. How will they know u less we tell them?
I believe in Jesus and desire to obey and follow Him completely. Yet, I still keep sinning! Why? Join me as I dive into the inconsistencies all Believers struggle with. We will discuss why this is a challenge and how easy it is to either start beating ourselves up, or to start thinking that because of grace our sin doesn't matter. Both view are wrong! come find freedom from guilt and desire to follow Jesus more!
What do you do when God stops speaking? When you ask for help but no answer comes? This quiet time periods, while difficult, can be very spiritually strengthening if we know what to do. Here are four important steps to go through the silence without losing faith and hope.
The Shiny Happy People series brought back many memories of ATI. What can we do to protect ourselves and our families from being hurt by false teachers? How can we steer clear of legalism? How can we follow Jesus, instead of our fear? Here are 8 protections for yourself and your family.
After watching all four episodes of "Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets", I share with you some guidelines and thoughts on how to watch the show and what to watch for. As believers, we need to think critically and understand not only what we watch but the worldview of those telling the story. We must also listen humbly and with a willingness to learn. Have you watched the show? What did you think?
What dream seems so old that you think you missed your chance? After 30 years I'm finally publishing the story the Lord inspired me to write. And now, looking back, I don't think that was a mistake. God's timeline can be very different that ours. If you have a dusty dream that you fear you've waited too long to work on, take a listen. I will prove to you, you are NOT too late!
Do you have a call or dream of a work you want to do with the Lord? Mine came over thirty years ago, but I'm just completing it now. The long process can be discouraging but I have discovered steps I want to share with you to make progress and to develop while you are waiting for the call to complete.
Slow can be discouraging, but slow does not mean it isn't happening. It means God isn't in a hurry. He's in charge of the timeline. That's not me job. My job is obedience.
Would you join me to take the story of God's extravagant love, as told in Finding Home, to the world? Check out my Kickstarter campaign at: Finding Home Kickstarter
Do you have a dream of something to create? Has a passion project sat with you for so long you're afraid it died? When God plants a dream and passion in our hearts, it feels like it needs to happen and now! But that is not how the Lord works. He's never late, but He also never rushes. Join me for the first two secrets to finish the project you feel will never happen.
Remember: He who began a good work in you will be faithful to complete it! (Pil 1:6)
For the beginning of Season 5, I am going to share with you one of the most important Scripture sections for me. In 2 Corinthians 4 and 5, Paul tells the church why we, as Believers, need to see ourselves as travelers and ministers. Our permanent residency is in Heaven. That means that we're not home yet, therefore we're not done yet!
For 31 days we have examined many different parts of our identity in Jesus. If you want to go through this again, please buy my book "Putting Jesus On" on Amazon. Concentrate on the Scripture and lay hold of the rich gifts Jesus has for you!
If you've enjoyed this journey, I'd love to hear from you! What identity meant the most? What helped your heart or restored your joy?
Wear all that Jesus has for you! Don't ever forget to put Him on!
Whatever, or whoever, controls my emotions, decisions, and choices masters me. So I don't want to belong to anyone or thing but Jesus.
Who do you belong to? I am Christ's!
I am God's friend. Isn't that the most awe-inspiring identity imaginable? Almost unbelievable.
Yet, with Jesus, it is true. Don't leave this identity in the closet. It is the most amazing relationship with your Savior!
I am victorious in Jesus! No matter how positively or negatively things are going or how. The identity of victorious gives me confidence no matter my present circumstances look like. Jesus defeated death and gives His followers victory.
What a precious identity!
In Jesus, I am blessed! And so are you. I'm not talking about money or possessions. This isn't about being lucky. Instead it is spiritual blessings. I must walk through life fully wrapped in this identity.
Jesus hears me. Every time. Every syllable. Every cry that can't even form words. Jesus hears me. What a blessed identity to have. I am always heard and never ignored by my Savior.
My Lord says I'm precious. Honestly, I'm not sure why. But that's an identity that helps me weather rejection, criticism, and negativity.
You are precious to Jesus, not because of what you do, how you look, or what you own. But because He created you and He loves you.
Never forget - you are precious to Jesus.
Sometimes I mess up bad and sin big. I have no idea why Jesus would keep loving me. Do you ever feel that way?
In Jesus, we are eternally secure. What a glorious crown to place on our heads— one that can't be knocked off. Our enemy might accuse us, but he can never take away our eternity secured in Jesus. Wear that with confidence.
I am guarded by Christ. When all seems to be coming against me, I draw this identity tight around me.
Jesus guards me. Nothing gets to me without first going through Him. And I can trust Him.
I love that Jesus guides me. I'm not alone not told to figure things out on my own. How about you? Do you walk in your identity of guided by Jesus? What a comforting identity to never let go of and never forget. No matter how confusing your present circumstances, Jesus guides you!
I see other's gifts much more than I see my own. Yet, Jesus promises that because I am His, He gifts me. In Jesus, you are gifted! He created you wonderfully and loves you, filling you with His Spirit. And He gives you gifts to carry out His work. You are gifted!
Jesus hides me. I love this part of my identity in Him. When I feel attacked or exposed, I remember that I can hide in Him. He covers and protects me and I am never as safe than in the middle of His arms.
The world can feel lonely. Do you ever feel alone? Yet, Jesus gives His children the glorious identity of never being alone. Never! Alone! From the darkest prison cell to being surrounded by enemies, we are never alone because He always remains with us! What good news.
Jesus clothes me in freedom, and when I wear that I stop feeling like have to prove anything. He sets me free. He looses the bounds. He open the door. He unlocks the chains. In Jesus, my identity is freedom!
You are wanted in Jesus! Jesus wants you. And not because of the size of donation you can make. Not because of good deeds. Not because you deserve it.
In fact, you can't do enough to deserve it. Yet, He wants you anyway. What an identity to remember every day. No matter how others treat you, in Jesus you are always wanted.
Jesus's love, which depends on His character and never on me, is the most extravagant identity I have. Wrapping that around me protects me from all attacks because regardless of what happens, His love never decreases.
When I put on the identity of filled in Jesus, I no longer have to try to fill myself with other things, like accomplishments, food, money, acceptance of others. Recognizing that I am filled in Jesus means I'm free and complete right now.
When I come to Jesus I'm not given a set of rules, patted on the head, and told good luck. No! The Holy Spirit indwells me - lives inside of me. The Spirit comforts, teaches, directs, and helps me. Why would I ever want to live by my own devices?
Jesus doesn't care about social status or income bracket. In Him there's no thought of nationality, race, or gender. Because in Him, that all falls away. When I am His it's because I'm adopted. I have a new family and identity. My identity of being His!
I don't always feel like I fit in. Do you? In Jesus, your identity is that of welcomed. Like the full welcome party that is incredibly glad you came. Like there is no other person that could possibly take your place. Isn't that amazing?
Listen. Do you hear Jesus? He is calling your name! Out of all the people in the world He beckons you to come to Him.
Every day I remember that I am called, I realize that regardless of any other rejection I suffer, I have already been gifted with the greatest wanting of the universe. Jesus wants me.
In Jesus I am healed. Regardless of the current state of my body, my identity in Jesus is that of healing in my spirit, mind, and body. I may or may not enjoy the full experience of that healing until heaven, but I can walk now in the expectation!
I am so aware of my failings. When I concentrate on those I identify with all that is wrong with me.
But when I wear the identity that I am wonderfully made, I can see every part of me, even my flaws and shortcomings, as places where Jesus has designed to fulfill His will.
In Jesus I am the most fully alive I can possibly be. I am not burdened with searching for the meaning of life. I not bound by sickness or physical ailments. I'm alive in my spirit beyond anything my flesh could ever experience.
Does it sound like good news to wear the truth that I am crucified with Christ? Well it is! It means I'm no longer bound by the temporary or fleeting passions or addictions of the world. My goals are eternal and my gaze is toward eternity. What freedom!
I am forgiven! Jesus provides that and I need to put that on every day. No more shame. No more hiding. No more lying about my past or waiting in fear that someone will find out. Why? Because I'm forgiven! Doesn't that sound good?
Being saved starts the minute we place our trust in Jesus. But sometimes we act like it is just something that just gets into heaven. Eventually. Someday.
But to wear our salvation means we can walk every day in the forgiveness Jesus gives us. What a heavy weight that removes.
When I bent my knee to Jesus I immediately became His chosen child. No longer do I need to prove my worth. No longer do I need to feel outside or unpicked.
Put on the identity of chosen and feel the shackles of trying to get others to pick you fall away!
This might not sound like good news, but remembering this part of our identity is so important. Even as I stand in Jesus, washed by His blood, I am still a sinner, so how could this be good news? Listen to find out!
Realizing and agreeing with the fact that I am created by the Lord exactly as He desires me to be. I am created and I can rest in the way I am made. What difference would that make for you to put that identity on?
Finding out the answer to the question, "Who am I?" will establish our identity. Will I find it from what I accomplish? Or will I find it in all the rich gifts of Jesus?
Come with me as we begin a 31 day journey through my book, Putting Jesus On. This is day 1.
After you have been married for decades, your marriage can feel tired. And marriage can hold long term hurts. But if we are going to have empty nest marriages that thrive, we're going to have to work on it.
We need to get healed. We must forgive. We must lay down disappointments in our spouse or how our marriage looks. And we must lean into the hard of God’s calling for us to be faithful to our lifetime covenant. Come learn 8 ways to fight for your marriage and why it matters. This episode holds 8 actionable ways to fight for your marriage.
Even when the kids move out, we still have a holy responsibility to maintain and cultivate a safe place for them to return to. Even in the Empty Nest homemaking matters. I would like to shout from the rooftop that in these days where families are dissolving and genders are being redefined and living as a Believer in that world grows more difficult every day, that homemaking matters more than ever!
I want my home to be a beacon in the storm. A warm hug and a hot cup of coffee. A safety net. The one solid, reliable place for my kids and others to put their feet when they can’t find anywhere else to stand.
Your home matters. Keep making it a refuge and a small reflection of the eternal home we all long for.
When our kids become adults, it's a whole new ball game. How can we develop the most inviting and respectful relationship possible with our adult kids? I don't have all the answers, but the 5 ideas in this podcast will help you on the road to healthy and loving relationships.
The empty nest can look drastically different than we had hoped it would. When a lifetime of heartbreaks pile up on top of our weary bodies and spirits, it can be easy to want to give up. But God is a God of redemption and who bring life from death. Find out the two words that have transformed my sorrow to joy and have enabled me to continue following Jesus in every crazy turn.
Podcast Series:For links to this whole podcast series, check out the following links:
- 301: Do I Have an Empty Nest Calling?
- 302: Am I Too Old for God’s Calling?
- 303: Do You WANT To Be Healed?
- 304: Who Else Wants To Overcome Being Tired and Sad?
- 305: The Best Way To Not Be Angry and Bitter?
- 306: 4 Solutions When I’m Disappointed With Life
The empty nest holds its own set of disappointments, especially when we feel like God let us down and things didn't turn out like we thought they would. How do we combat the sorrow that accompanies feeling disappointed? This episode holds four solutions which will free you to run with Jesus and no longer be angry at Him. Find the freedom and joy you long for!
Anger paralyzes our heart and bitterness poisons our soul. Hanging on to past hurts can keep us from effectively living our life for Jesus now. That doesn't mean you need to just forget them. You might need counseling for help doing the hard work of forgiving, but it is worth it to live free.
The empty nest years can bring some real grief. And after a long life of service and care of our family, we may very well feel worn out! But I don't want to live tired and sad anymore. How about you?
The longer we live, the more opportunities we encounter for hurt and damage to occur through relationships, difficulties, and disappointments. If we aren't careful, these painful places can paralyze us. Do you want to be healed? That is what Jesus asked the man at the pool. And He asks the same. Do you want to be healed?
Do we ever age out of being called by the Lord? I've battled through the fear and doubt the feeling "too old" and "too late" can bring. I share hope and encouragement here for you to walk boldly in your calling whether you are 20 or you are 80. Are you brave enough to obey what Jesus calls you to do?
Want to have an honest and open conversation about the empty nest? Then grab some coffee and take a listen. Life is challenging in the empty nest years, and as Believers in Jesus we can struggle with what we are called to do now. This episode discusses the struggles and the conflicting emotions, but also how we can take them to Jesus and how He will lead us.
Take a listen and tell a friend!
Sue Donaldson takes two of the most intimidating actions that we know we SHOULD do, and makes them totally doable. Sue share great reasons why we should open our homes to hospitality and then give practical steps for how. In the same way she will help you see how you can and should become a mentor to the younger women around you.
How will you and your siblings manage the complexities of aging parents? Leslie McLeod brings so much wisdom as she give concrete and clear advice of how to manage this minefield. You won't want to miss this, because this episode is packed with useful recommendations that will save you and your siblings grief.
Leslie McLeod has found the empty nest to be a place of renewed faith, jo in marriage, and a sense of calling from the Lord. What dreams have sat in your heart through the years? Maybe it is time to see what the Lord wants to do with them! Come listen and get inspired!
Leslie McLeod: A mother of two adult children, Leslie is enjoying her season of greatest connection and creativity as a writer, artist, and co-owner of a tech company with her husband of 36 years. She ministers to women who are experiencing relationship challenges as they and their families care for their aging parents. She found 2020 to be a year of surprising blessing and marvels at the doors God continues to open.
Website: www.lamcleod.com/
The empty nest holds many challenges. How do we maintain healthy relationships with our own adult children? In conversations with them, how can we listen better? How do we know when to speak and when not to? Carol Feil has some great advice.
In this honest conversation we also delve deep into all we can learn from the garden. What can we learn about the differences between death and dorminancy? How can we trust the Lord to help us bloom and thrive whatever our situation?
As she confronted the difficult parts of her past, the Lord challenged Lyneta Smith with the question, "Will you trust Me with your story?" Lyneta bravely said yes and therefore not only experienced her own healing but has helped other women with their own scarred past. What part of your hard story do you want to keep hidden? What would happen if you trusted Jesus to heal you and use it?
Lori Morrison changed course in the empty nest, becoming a PI, a Private Investigator. Now she helps families find justice. She is also interested in helping other women become a PI, a Person of Influence. What has God placed on your heart? What new place is He calling you? He wants you to be an influence for Him.
We all want to live a fulfilling and meaningful life. But what do we do when we get to these years, look back, and find what we counted on making us feel good never seems to measure up? What do we do with the burdens we find ourselves carrying? And an even better question - what would happen if we lived out our faith in all areas of our life? Vona Johnson answers these questions and more. Take a listen!
In what way are you gifted? How are you created where you can serve the Lord in these empty nest years? Diane LeJeune offers great advice and encouragement on how you can overcome fear and procrastination so that you can answer God's call in the second half of life!
What if God intends for the hard thing you have gone through (or are still in the middle of) to bless and encourage someone else? Brenda McDearmon discusses what it took to be brave enough to write and self-publish the lessons she learned in a difficult season. She also share why living with a sense of adventure in these empty nest years is so important. Want to tell your story? Or do you want to figure out how to live adventurously from the empty nest? Then take a listen!
Why keep praying if you don't see results? If your kids have walked away from the Lord, is it too late to pray? How do I know what to pray? The answer to these questions and so much more are found in this fantastic interview with Tina Smith. Not only will you find encouragement, but real actionable steps to take.
Part 1 of Tina's interview is found in Episode 67.
How can God turn an open, festering wound into a message to help other women heal? By walking in the healing and forgiveness that Jesus gives, Tina Smith has been enabled to share and help others heal from their own abortion experiences. She also has obeyed as the Lord has opened doors for her to podcast, write, speak and influence during her empty nest years. What could God do with us if we were open to follow wherever He led?
When the Lord calls us to new ventures in the empty nest we can easily get overwhelmed with all the details and jobs and ideas. Erin Harrigan discusses how to follow the Lord instead of hustling and wearing ourselves out. And just wait until you hear Erin's description of imposter syndrome! It will change everything.
Erin Harrigan is a Christian wife, empty nest mom, and avid traveler who loves tacos, guac and all things 80's!
As the the author of Pursuing Success God’s Way: A Practical Guide to Hustle with Heart, and the host of The Hustle with H.E.A.R.T. Podcast, Erin's mission is helps Christian business women over 40 break free from overwhelm, overachieving and under fulfillment so they can carry out God's assignment with clarity, serenity and fulfillment.
Through her speaking, coaching and writing, Erin teaches women how to tune out the world, tune into God's truth and turn up their focus to redefine hustle and pursue success God's way.
2022 is here. Will it be better than 2021 or 2020? Or will it be worse? When fear of the future overwhelms our souls, there is really only one solution. It is remembering what the Lord has already done. This episode reveals 7 specific truths to remember to combat fear and walk in victory no matter what 2022 holds.
For complete show notes go over to my website: https://www.susankmacias.com/podcast/65
Books I mention:
- PUTTING JESUS ON: My Identity Journal, by Susan Macias
- Triumphing Over Sinful Fear, by John Flavel
(These are affiliate links)
7 Solutions: What to remember about Jesus
1.REMEMBER: Jesus is in the storm with us.
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Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you." - Deuteronomy 31:6 ESV
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REMEMBER: Jesus helps us, even if problems remain
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fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. ... For I, the LORD your God, hold your right hand; it is I who say to you, "Fear not, I am the one who helps you." - Isaiah 41:10, 13 ESV
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REMEMBER: Jesus, Prince of Peace, promises us peace IN THE STORM.
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Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid. - John 14:27 ESV
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REMEMBER: Jesus, and His Word, are so much more powerful than any human or problem.
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When I am afraid, I put my trust in you. In God, whose word I praise, in God I trust; I shall not be afraid. What can flesh do to me? - Psalm 56:3-4 ESV
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REMEMBER: Jesus knows my needs and provides for them.
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But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is alive and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? Therefore do not be anxious, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' ... But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. "Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. - Matthew 6:30-31, 33-34 ESV
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REMEMBER: Solution for fear: rejoice in Jesus and pray about everything.
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Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice. ... do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. - Philippians 4:4, 6 ESV
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REMEMBER: Jesus and the Word provide our defense
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The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid? - Psalm 27:1 ESV
- Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. - Psalm 23:4 ESV
2022 may be worse. The clouds may darken, the winds may howl, the rain may turn to driving sleet. But REMEMBER- Jesus is with us every second of 2022, so confident of His Father’s care that He sleeps, full of faith rather than fear.
He is with us in 2022, ready to teach us to do the same.
Kristine Brown had plans for when the children left. Plans to write and use her time in ways she'd never had the opportunity to before. But through an arduous cancer journey, the Lord allowed Kristine to learn new lessons on trusting Him, even when all the plans go in a direction you would never choose.
Kristine compiled these lessons and overlays them with the life of Rahad in her book, "Cinched."
Has God placed an idea in your heart? A message or idea or creation that just won't leave your mind? But you might not be sure how to take the first step or how to navigate the waters of taking your thoughts into the social media world of today. Today's guest, Ruthie Gray of Authentic Online Marketing will share encouragement, tips, and tricks to help you get started.
What happens when all the kids move out, you get your house just like you want it, and then God wants you to open yourself back up to kids and grandkids? Many people face that challenge and blessing. Cathy Lawdanski share great wisdom on how to move from the struggle to finding the blessing. And she has continued to grow and minister in the process. Don't let challenges keep you from serving Jesus with all your heart in these years!
Cathy's website: My Side of 50
Cathy's podcast: My Side of 50
Misty Phillip’s testimony will encourage you to follow Jesus and obey His promptings even if you need to do it scared! We never know what the Lord will do with each step of obedience we take. God calls each of us to serve and love Him, and Misty’s life exemplifies walking through every door the Lord opens and letting Him take care of the consequences.
Rhonda Stoppe downloads tons of valuable empty nest wisdom for us, like: “Once you wrap your head around that you have all of this time and that God can do through you things that you didn’t do earlier on, then you are coming to the place where you are just, “Okay, Lord. I don’t know what You want to do through me, but I am available.”
Rhonda Stoppe is the best selling author of 6 books and popular speaker, for more than 30 years, and she helps women build no regrets lives. Her messages weave Christian comedy and transparent stories together with sound biblical doctrine. Rhonda is a pastor’s wife, mother, grandmother, mom coach and marriage mentor. As well as a popular podcast guest, appearing numerous times on Focus on the Family, Family Life Today and Dr. James Dobsons’ FamilyTalk.
Get in touch with Rhonda:
website: rhondastoppe.com
instagram: @rhondastoppe
Facebook: Rhonda Stoppe No Regrets Woman
Part 2 of Amy Connell! The empty nest years make our health decisions more important than ever. How else will we stay strong and healthy to do all the Lord calls us to do? This episode is loaded chock full of wisdom and practical help to assist us make good choices and wise decisions about our health in the empty nest. Amy's deep knowledge will give you actionable steps you can implement today in the areas of food and exercise.
Amy Connell is an NASM Certified Personal Trainer, Nutrition Coach, and imperfect eater. She founded Graced Health in 2016 to equip women with simple and grace-filled ways to take care of and appreciate their God-created body … and enjoy a little chocolate in the process. Amy is the author of Your Worthy Body: Find Freedom in Health by Breaking All the Rules, coming in November 2021. She lives in the Houston, Texas area with her husband of 23 years, their two always-hungry teen boys, and her stray-turned princess pit bull named Grace.
Links:
GracedHealth.com
Instagram: @GracedHealth
Facebook: @Graced Health
amy.connell@gracedhealth.com
Amy Connell teaches women to take care of their body so they can do what they are called to do. In this first part of a two part interview, Amy shares how she got still and quiet to hear from the Lord when He called her to start her ministry to women called Graced Health. Today's conversation looks at the process God used to get her to the place where she is now podcasting and about to publish her first book this November. You will be inspired and encouraged to listen to God's macro and micro callings and how Amy took one scary step at a time. Did it imperfectly. And found the methods that worked for her. Amy has great truth to share!
Next episode, Amy will share health secrets as well!
Great women in the Bible aren't usually the ones who become queens. They live normal lives, but chose when the opportunity presents itself to live for Jesus, proclaim the Lord, and make a difference to those around them. In the last three episodes we've looked at three women who used their normal lives to live big for the Lord. What can we learn from them to do the same ourselves?
Our problems and failures are places of redemption and more importantly proclamation!
Here are the principles we can learn:
1. Your age doesn’t matter in order to serve the Lord
- 1 Timothy 4:12
- Psalm 71:18
2. A horrible situation does not make you unusable
- Genesis 50:19-20
3. Being faithful where you are changes everything
- Psalm 119:30
- 1 Corinthians 15:58
4. Your past doesn’t condemn you or define you
- Isaiah 43:18-19
5. Your identity comes from Lord not your past or even your present
- 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
6. When heart tuned to Lord we will SEE Jesus
- John 1:14
For more detailed show notes, go to:
Acts 16 hold the story of one of the Bible's great women. Lydia had multiple excuses for why life was hard and she had too many struggles to make the massive decision to follow the call of Jesus. But that is why she is a great woman! What is holding you back from serving the Lord and responding to Him with your whole heart?
The prophetess Anna live as an old widow, proclaiming the word of the Lord in the Temple - a job she'd done for decades. I wonder if she felt insignificant or if she doubted if her work even mattered. But she was only one of two people who recognized Jesus as the Messiah as a baby. That's what we are NEVER done. Our long obedience and long faithfulness matter. Besides, we never know when Jesus will show up, and if He does, don't you want to recognize Him?
This is the first in a three part series on “Great Women In The Bible.”
These may be different women than you are used to seeing in the "great women" category. They are the quiet and unknown ones. Do they need to be well known to be great or do great things for the Lord?
I think we underestimate the power of the quiet, faithful life.
We will look at how the Lord reveals Himself and His character by how His truth works itself out in real people’s lives. Real women who wouldn’t have big followings in today’s world of social media numbers determining influence.
Today's episode examines the slave girl from 2 Kings: 5:1-15. Her obedience gives us a great example and leads to one of my favorite stories on the value of long and complete obedience.
We can be our own worst critics. How do we keep faith and hope when disappointment and regret cloud our hearts? And our enemy can use accusation, blame, and guilt to hobble us. In this special, first anniversary edition of the podcast, I do a short dramatic presentation of the battle that can rage in our mind. It is only the Sword of the Word that will slay our stinking thinking and enable us to press on with the Lord.
For the complete transcript of the podcast, go to my website at:
www.susankmacias.com/podcast/53
We might be praying for our kids or grandkids with the new school year. But what about their teachers? A teacher can have an extraordinary impact. Because of the influence educators have on your student, praying for him or her may be the most powerful thing you can do. This episode has five, powerful prayers taken straight from Scripture to pray over the teachers.
Do our prayers for our adult kids even matter? Will praying for them help our relationship with them? Rachel Britton not only feels an urgency to pray for her own children, but wants to help other women feel equipped to pray. As she says, "I think we've all realized in this past year that life is short and fragile. Prayer is the best legacy we can leave our children."
Rachel Britton:
website: rachelbritton.com
Facebook: Rachel Britton, Prayer Zone Workout
Book: Tough To Love
Online Magazine: Radiant
- Also, check out the radiant.nyc Instagram account.
Select quotes:
I’m excited about what God has done. It’s taken a long time to get here. But He’s used my passions. He’s using my experience during these empty nest years.
I don’t consider myself a prayer warrior. I’m not great at it myself. But what I want to focus on is helping women practice prayer. We can read a lot about prayer but actually doing it is the hard bit. But the most important bit.
The main struggle with prayer: not knowing what to say and being able to focus.
Main struggle with adult children: expectations.
I get frustrated, disappointed, I can be upset. And if I’m not careful then those things do come out in my relationship with my children.
Praying for adult kids:
Not pushing my expectations on my children but showing them unconditional love. Most important thing when passion for keep them close to the Lord .
When kids are not doing the things I think are right, I have to come before God and bring Him the angst over the things I’m worried about so I can come out of prayer and go into those relationships I’m showing them my motherly love but also the love of God.
Relationship with adult kids: Find things you can enjoy together.
Advice of a place to minister: One of the needs we do have is our relationship with the younger generation. Our tendency is to put ourselves in these age boxes. More mixing with women in their twenties and thirties would be wonderful.
Advice to younger self: Trust God more and have stronger faith in Him.
I spent a lot of time really asking God, that I want to leave to go back where I missed. Looking back- I should have trusted more. And now with kids a long way away and life’s not how I expected it to be during these years, then that’s what I keep telling myself, “Trust God. Trust God with this. He knows what’s best and He has the best plans for me.”
*Amazon link for Rachel's book is an affiliate link.
The horror of what is happening in Afghanistan play across our TVs and new feeds, but what can we do? Pray! This episode give five scripture to pray from and then we pray together for the people living in the Taliban's wake.
Scripture to pray:
- Psalm 91:2-5, 9-11
- 2 Kings 6:15-18
- Psalm 27:1-3
- Psalm 3:3-8
- Romans 8:35-37
Here's a link to an article that has more scripture to pray:
- https://www.crossway.org/articles/10-key-bible-verses-on-persecution/
When we’re walking with Jesus- everything in our lives and marriages can be repurposed and redeemed! Today’s guest, Michelle Rayburn, shares that message along with many other empty nest nuggets of wisdom.
And listen to the end of the podcast to find out about the book she is giving away to one of my lucky listeners!
Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcaster who emphasizes how life’s difficulties can turn out to be opportunities to learn and grow.
Quotes and take-aways:
- On the empty nest: I had been preparing for that. As having boys, I knew their heart wouldn’t belong to me, it would belong to their future wife, and so I prepared my heart for that knowing that my job was going to be to release them and be there for them whenever they needed to talk.
- It is a blessing to see my kids shine … that blesses me because it tells me they have found purpose in life so I am vicariously blessed to watch them grow and shine.
- I have found significance in being involved in different ways in my church.
- As empty nesters, you can have a ministry in your own family just to your children by helping them - it’s not giving advice, it’s not telling them what to do - but really modeling. And then being there for those moments when they’re at the rock bottom and need someone to encourage them to work it out with their spouse. Don’t tell me about it- but work it out!
- The listening skills is really where we get our best ideas of where we can serve others in this second half of life.
- Lessons of self publishing: it’s actually a lot more work than you think.
- I’ve learned to go one step at a time... I’ve learned to stop saying never because God has shown ways to do things that shock me.
- That is a role we can fulfill… it’s not advice, it’s somebody to care and notice and hear the struggles and walk alongside. ... just looking for people who say something and there’s a clue that there’s a person that is looking for something.
- It doesn’t have to be an official ministry. There is no law against going up to people standing by themselves and just saying, “I don’t think we’ve met yet.” Sometimes it’s helpful to have a couple of questions.
- There is so many places that just the words, “You’re doing a great job,” can be a ministry… It is amazing how much ministry there is in the every day life.
- Your first ministry is to each other when the kids leave home. And then you figure out what you are going to do together. Because together strong is so much better than going separate directions.
Habit to Keep Moving Forward With Jesus:
- Look for reminders so I don’t forget the God is with me.
- Use dings and alarms on phone to remember God is with me.
Michelle’s Recommended Books:
- Classic Marriage: Staying in Love as Your Odometer Climbs. by Michelle Rayburn
- Empty Nest, Full Life. by Jill Savage.
Books by Michelle:
- Classic Marriage: Staying in Love as Your Odometer Climbs
- Life Repurposed
Michelle’s Podcast:
- Life Repurposed
- When Michelle interviewed me: Perfection Is Not A Destination
*All book links are affiliate links which means if you purchase after clicking the link I will receive a small amount, which I use to keep the website and podcast afloat. Thank you!
Your story holds great value for your kids and grandkids. Do you want to tell your story but the job seems too daunting to begin? Then I have the perfect guest for you today. Judy Watters teaches how to write memoir, so you can share with the generations to come how Jesus has worked in your life. Come listen and then write your story!
Judy's Facebook Page
Judy's YouTube Channel
Favorite quotes from the interview:
- God really did prepare me every step of the way.
- You can’t teach someone something without you learning something yourself.
- Even if our children aren’t interested in our stories now, they will be someday.
- Generations to come need to know that you fought the good battle. That you had problems. You weren’t a perfect. Perhaps you had problems you created yourself. And how you got out of it; how you grew.
- Enjoy the process. Don’t let any time go by that you’re not loving on your kids. You're not encouraging them and inspiring them to be the best that they can be.
Every skill, job, and training we experience in our early years, can be used for Kingdom work in our empty nest years! Christa Hutchins assists Christian creatives move from idea to action by teaching them project management skills she's employed in her corporate job. How could God use your skills to grow His Kingdom?
Christa has a free quiz you can take to see what kind of stuck you are in your creative process. You can access that quiz here:
- What Kind of Stuck Am I?
Where you can find Christa:
- Christa's Website
- Just One Simple Thing Podcast
Christa's recommended books and resources:
- Move Forward Journal
- Essentialism
- The Orphan Train
You can find more show notes at my website: susankmacias.com/podcast
*Book links are Amazon affiliate links which means if you purchase from the link I receive a small affiliate commission.
What is God calling you to do in the empty nest? Does it scare you? Fear keeps us from moving into God's call in our life.
In Numbers 13 when the Israelites reach the promised land, 10 of those men looked at what was scary in light of what they could do. Two of those men looked at odds stacked against them in light of what God could do.
For most of my life, I didn’t identify these kinds of fears, and the host of others I haven’t named, as giants. But then I realized, if I allow them to block me from advancing into places God calls me, that’s exactly what they are. And I’m acting like the 10 scared guys instead of the 2 brave ones.
When I observe outside issues and allow those to steer my decisions, I’m looking at giants instead of the Most High God.
Psalm 138:3 says, “On the day I called, You answered. You made me bold with strength in my soul.”
Isn’t it a relief to find a solution to our quaking knees? We call to our Strength, and He makes our soul bold. And my bold soul willingly faces giants in Jesus’ name.
How do we conquer fear in the empty nest?
Caleb and Joshua willingly faced giants not because they thought themselves strong enough. Not because they are full of their own strength. But because they allow the Lord’s delight in them to be their strength. He will accomplish this work, they just need to follow and obey.
The solution is the same for us. Follow and Obey.
Allison Weeks has spent her years as a wife and a mother cultivating her skills as a homemaker. Now, in her empty nest years, she is spreading the encouragement and wisdom from fellow veteran homemakers and sharing it with the world in her podcast. Allison is a great example of what it means to treat homemaking like the art it deserves to be.
Links from our discussion:
- Art of Home Podcast
- My conversation with Allison: Flexible Homemaking
Allison's recommended books:
- Eve in Exile
Downsizing for the month of June 2021. This series has paralleled my life. Today we ask the question: why downsize? My most important reason: I’m downsizing my stuff to upsize my impact. We must get rid of the stuff that keeps us from fully following the Lord.
Today I want to share two scriptures with you that paint this picture for me.
- Colossians 3:7-10, 12-16
- Hebrews 12:12-13
Downsize our stuff will free up our minds and energy to serve Jesus in new ways. I can either manage my stuff or make an eternal impact. I know which choice I'm going to make!
Clothes can be such a big item to manage. Glad you're here today as we discuss how to shop our closet and downsize our clothes. How do we filter through all we own and only keep what we love? And why does it even matter? This episode addresses both the how and the why.
Jesus helps me downsize! How about you? Today let’s talk 5 prayers to help the downsizing happen! Our attitude and relationship with stuff is spiritual. But it helps me to downsize when I bring Jesus into the conversation.
How do we decide what stuff to get rid of and what to keep? Today I’ll share 5 questions to help you downsize your empty nest. These questions allow you to step back from emotional attachments to things and gain a new perspective. And, I have an amazing free gift: a magic pass to make the whole process a snap!
A lifetime with kids can mean an overflowing "empty" nest. Why is it important to clean out the stuff and clutter? I share 5 reason why it matters. Come take a listen and let me know what you think!
We don't usually talk about God not keeping His promises, particularly with our Christian friends. But it feels that way sometimes, doesn't it? The good news is the Bible addresses this. Don't you love how the Word isn't afraid to talk about the hard stuff? Let's not be afraid to talk about hard stuff either. If you feel like God hasn't kept His promises to you, take a listen!
How do we make decisions when the way forward is unclear? Sometimes, too many good things crowd our calendar and we need to make our best yes. More often, many difficulties clog our lives and it’s hard to figure out the best priority. Many options and numerous needs bring confusion. What path should we take? Which way should we turn? Thankfully the Lord brings clarity. How? Take a listen to these 5 Scriptures!
Following God is often counter-intuitive. He leads us in the opposite direction from where we think we want to go. How do we stay in Jesus, abide in Him, and follow Him no matter what? Let's look at how God has led His people in the past and find out how to follow Him in the future.
How do we engage in new adventure and new callings AND remain with our feet firmly planted in Jesus? It might take a mindset shift, but it is vital for us to be fruitful and active in our empty nest years.
Do you have a passion you’ve put on the back burner while tending to your family for all these years? That’s not a bad thing, but what if NOW is the time to tap into your passion to be fruitful for the Lord? Let's talk about practical steps to use your passion to be fruitful for the Lord in this season of life.
As most plants get old they don’t produce as much fruit or as high quality. People can be the same. How do we not only remain fruitful, but have the years in our second half of life increase in effectiveness? Will we be ready for the opportunities of the empty nest? What will keep up from effectively serving Jesus in these important years?
Want to have a quiet time but aren't sure where to get started? Here are lots of ideas of different plans to use for your quiet time. The Bible is full of fascinating history, instructions for living, encouragement for difficult times, and books of the life of Jesus. What is your favorite book to read?
Most Christians agree that quiet times are a good thing. But how do we move from knowing we should do it and actually, consistently spending daily time in the Bible? This episode addresses the problems and readjusts the mindset. Want to have a successful quiet time? Take a listen!
Just because we are older, it doesn't mean it is any easier now to spend time in God's Word. Busyness and demands make it just as difficult now. But the Bible is mandatory in order for us to maintain a vital spiritual life our whole lives! Want some ideas to figure out how to make it happen? Come listen!
Back in the 80's and 90's all the cool Christians had Quiet Times. But now we're older. We've learned more and heard too many sermons to count. Do we still need a Quiet Time? I have five benefits - and who doesn't like benefits? Come listen and tell me why you think a Quiet Time is or is not important!
Some parts of the empty nest can be a struggle. How do we find a new direction? What do we do with the loneliness of the empty nest? How do we stay the course so we follow Jesus through these years? We don’t want the struggles we encounter to keep us from following Jesus until the end?
What new places of opportunity are available in our empty nests? I think that now is the time to follow the dreams Jesus planted in our hearts long ago. What is the Lord calling you to? What dusty dreams are wanting to be fulfilled? What opportunities does your empty nest afford you?
Have you ever wondered what Jesus expects from you in your empty nest? I think He's given each of us precious gifts to share with others. But, why is it so hard to move past fear and discouragement to use them? What do you think your responsibilities are in this second half of life?
The word "empty" in the term "empty-nest" sounds so vacant and meaningless. No wonder women in this stage struggle with their next steps. But these stage of our nests holds great meaning and opportunity. What would happen if you redefined the empty nest? Take a listen and find out!
No matter their age, our kids need our prayers. But what do we pray for exactly? Do you need help with praying for your kids? Then come take a listen and find our about a free resource to help you pray with power.
How do we deal with defeat and discouragement? What is the one ingredient that transforms our prayers and our hearts? It really is possible! Today's episode dives deep into how the worrying, discouraged Mom can pray powerfully and get her joy back.
What do you do when faced with a situation you know you should pray about, but it seems too impossible? Even for Jesus! Here are six practical and scriptural steps to take to pray confidently and effectively for those impossible problems in our life.
What is your second half calling? Even if you don't know yet, I can guarantee there is one thing you are absolutely called to do. As women who love Jesus and love our families we must figure out how to effectively and consistently pray. How can you move from thinking about prayer to actually praying?
I think everyone is ready for 2020 to end. But we shouldn’t assume 2021 will be better. Can we trust God with this new year if it turns out worse than the last one? How can we be women who hope and trust in Him?
Relationships with adult kids can be complicated. Preparing our hearts makes all the difference for a peaceful and enjoyable holiday. Looking for ideas of just what to pray? Take a listen!
Christmas is coming. It’s a treat when our adult kids come home. But it’s not like when they were young and we were the cruise directors. Here's a reality we must face: we might not have the holiday we want. My attitude when my adult kids come home greatly effects our holiday. How can I help make our Christmas be the best it can be?
As our kids grow up, move away, get jobs, and get married, our holidays will change. We will all experience holidays without any kids home. What do we do then? Here's some ideas of how to have a joyful holiday even when it feels lonely. How do you spend a "childless" holiday?
Today, we're get down and dirty with practicality. A big family equals big mess. Lots of people means lots of work. This episode contains practical ideas to help the holiday run smoother. What is your best holiday idea?
What happens if God's call scares our socks off? In this 3rd part of a three part series, we will take a deep dive into the realities of following the Lord. Because it can be difficult and painful and heartbreaking AND His call. What will you do when Jesus calls you to something hard?
In Luke 1, Elizabeth receives an impossible calling to bear a child in old age after YEARS of barrenness. God may call us to something impossible too. How will we respond? Let's learn from Elizabeth how to react with faith.
Elizabeth finds herself, in the second-half of life, after a lifetime of barrenness, being called to trust the Lord in a whole new way. In this Part 1, in a three part series on Elizabeth, we're gong to get honest and ask the question, what do we do when God calls us to something there's no way we can accomplish? For everyone who ever feels they're "not enough" -this episode is for you!
If we're supposed to thank Jesus for and in everything, could that possibly include Covid? Because that just feels wrong. But something transformative happens as we praise the Lord when we can't think of a single good thing to thank Him for. Want to know how that works? Take a listen and let me know what you think!
We're all commanded (and therefor called) to present our bodies as a living sacrifice in Romans 12. But what does that look like, and how do we do it? Come find some answers to the question, what is God calling you to do?
Jesus asks His disciples a hard question: Do you not YET see and understand? I think for those of us who’ve walked with Jesus a long time but still struggle with faith and believing and hoping, He might ask us the same thing. But it's time for us to finally, really SEE! Want to know how? Take a listen!
As I've aged, my physical eyesight has deteriorated. And I find I also struggle with my spiritual eyesight. This episode explains the problems that lead to worsening spiritual eyesight and also gives the prescription for improved vision.
I know when I'm hangry: I'm cranky, tired, and emotional. What about when I'm spiritually hangry? Come find the symptoms and the cure.
Sometimes I'm just so tired I'd rather complain than pray. But the good news is that there's a plan for our inner woman to be renewed and it's not by what we do. It ALL happens through Jesus! Come get super encouraged.
The older we get, the tireder and tireder we become. If we let weariness and discouragement rule us, we will give in and accomplish what God calls us to. The Bible uses the analogy "droopy hands" to describe this status. This podcast includes the secret for where we get more strength from.
Getting older means aches, pains, and body parts not working like they used to. There's a great spiritual analogy here, and we find it in Hebrews 12 where we are told to strengthen our weak knees. If we want to run our race for Jesus with endurance, we need to lighten our load and deal with our hurting parts.
How can we answer God's call in the second half of our life if we're mad at Him for how the first half turned out? We need a cure for the bitterness, anger, and jealousy that easily trip us up, particularly in our empty nest season. This episode lines out the cure found in Psalm 73.
How old is too old? The answer from society might differ widely from the Biblical one. Because there isn't a "too old" in the Bible. Today we look at Joshua and discuss how even if we feel old and advanced in years, there might remain "much land to possess."
Episode 3. Do past sins, mistakes, or failures make you feel disqualified to serve God now? Well, according to scripture, nothing could be further from the truth. Today we'll examine David's life to see how God uses us DESPITE our worst moments.
Episode 2.
Is it ever too late to get started serving God? In this episode we'll explore a parable that debunks the idea of "too late." In fact, what we do now, in the little time we have left, is just as valuable as if we started earlier, and there's lots of Scriptures to back that up.
I believe the enemy wants us to feel defeated and useless. But the Lord calls us to build His Kingdom every day. As empty nest moms, how can we answer God's call now, even after our failures and mistakes? In this foundational episode, I will tell the story of "We're Not Done Yet" and why I think it's so important.