There comes a time in midlife when the familiar rhythms begin to fade. The house is quieter. The career that once defined you no longer fills your soul. The kids are grown—or maybe life threw you a curveball through loss, illness, or a change you never expected. And now, you find yourself asking, Who am I now? What am I meant to do next?

We often picture poverty as a lack of money, food, and shelter. But what if it’s deeper than that?

It’s a sobering thought: one day, Jesus will separate the sheep from the goats—not by beliefs we’ve claimed or songs we’ve sung, but by what we did for those in need. Jesus paints the picture clearly in Matthew 25.

In Luke 10, Jesus is asked a seemingly spiritual question: “What must I do to inherit eternal life?” His answer leads us into one of His most powerful parables—the story of the Good Samaritan. But don’t let the familiarity of the tale rob it of its impact. Jesus wasn’t just telling a nice story; He was redefining what it means to live a compassionate life

Mother’s Day can stir up a beautiful mix of memories, hopes, and heartaches. For many, it’s a day filled with gratitude, hugs, and family gatherings. But for others, it’s a day that carries quiet grief, longing, or remembrance. No matter how this day finds you, I want you to know this: you are seen, loved, and not forgotten.

This post is a sacred pause to honor every kind of mother—because the depth of a mother’s love is not defined by circumstances, but by the heart behind it.

For many parents, the empty nest season arrives like a wave—sometimes expected, sometimes sudden, and almost always emotional. As children leave home to pursue their lives, many midlife parents are left with a lingering question: What now? The answer, dear friend, isn't the end of purpose—it's the beginning of transformation.

I’ve been a bit MIA lately—life’s been full, fun, and just a little bit crazy! We recently returned from a much-needed vacation (absolutely marvelous, by the way 🙌), and let’s just say, re-entry into “real life” came with a surprise.

Picture this: I step into the shower, ready to start my day, and the water is ice-cold. 😱 Not just a little chilly—cold enough to wake the neighbors.

Later, my husband took a peek in the basement and discovered the culprit: our water heater had sprung a leak.

Life after the kids move out and work ends can feel uncertain, but it’s also an incredible opportunity for reinvention. Instead of seeing this season as a loss, think of it as a new beginning—a time to craft a life filled with joy, freedom, and adventure. Every day can feel like a vacation when you design it with intention, purpose, and fun.

In both small groups that I’m a member of, we’re diving into Dutch Sheets' book, Intercessory Prayer. This is a deeply thought-provoking read that opens up a powerful understanding of how God utilizes prayer to enact change in our lives and the world around us.

Often underestimated, prayer is one of the most powerful tools available to believers. Prayer is a spiritual practice and a direct conduit to God's heart and transformative power. In his book Intercessory Prayer, Dutch Sheets unveils the profound truth that prayer is not just a conversation with God but a sacred partnership where we work alongside Him to manifest His will on earth. Through prayer, we are invited to partake in God's redemptive work, altering circumstances, shattering spiritual strongholds, and even reshaping the destiny of nations.

As winter tightens its grip on our local lake, a captivating sight never fails to draw me in: geese gliding gracefully over the frozen surface. Now resembling a vast glacier, the lake becomes a stage where these majestic birds perform their daily ballet. Observing them has given me profound insights into empty nest transformation, a journey many embark on as our children leave home.

Each year, I guide others through the One Word Workshop, a process designed to help them prayerfully choose a word that aligns with God’s direction for their lives. This year, my word is Abide—a call to remain steadfast in Christ, trust in His promises, and dwell in His presence. Through reflection, prayer, and intentional focus, I’ve embraced Abide as a guiding light in this season of change.

Life as an empty nester brings a whirlwind of emotions—excitement for newfound freedom, grief over a changing family dynamic, and uncertainty about what’s next. This transition, while challenging, is an invitation to deepen your faith and abide in God’s promises. The word abide carries profound meaning, especially in a Christian context. It means to remain, dwell, or stay steadfastly connected. From a biblical perspective, abiding refers to maintaining a close, enduring relationship with Christ. In John 15:4-5, Jesus says, “Abide in Me, and I in you… for apart from Me, you can do nothing.”

Discover Your Guiding Word for 2025: Join the Life-Changing One Word Workshop!

🎉 Step into the New Year with Clarity and Purpose! 🎉
Forget the fleeting resolutions that fade by February—embrace the transformative power of OneWord instead! 🌟
What’s OneWord?
It’s more than a goal—it’s your guiding force, a single word to inspire focus, drive, and intention throughout the year.
💡 Why Join the OneWord Workshop? ⭐Uncover your unique word for the year. ⭐Gain tools to keep your word alive in daily life.⭐Connect with like-minded individuals seeking purpose and growth.

Advent is more than just a countdown to Christmas—it’s a sacred season of reflection, anticipation, and hope. For empty nesters navigating life’s transitions, this time presents a unique opportunity to reconnect with faith, rediscover purpose, and embrace meaningful connections with God and others. As the home grows quieter and routines shift, Advent offers a chance to pause, reflect, and prepare your heart for the transformative message of Christmas.

As an empty nester, you may be facing new financial challenges and opportunities—whether your children are heading off to college, you're dealing with a job loss, or managing changes in insurance coverage. These transitions can feel overwhelming, but a tailored financial plan can help you navigate this new chapter with clarity and confidence. By focusing on key areas such as goal setting, budgeting and expense tracking, savings and investments, and financial protection, you can build a secure future while navigating this exciting phase of life with confidence and a renewed sense of financial security.

When the kids move out, the silence can be deafening. After years of pouring your time and energy into their lives, the shift to an empty nest can leave you wondering, What now? But this new season is more than just an adjustment—it’s an incredible opportunity to rediscover yourself and reconnect with your spouse.

Aging often comes with its share of challenges, one of which is the increased likelihood of chronic pain. Yet, contrary to popular belief, managing pain as we age does not mean "dealing with it." Instead, a multifaceted approach can make a significant difference, allowing us to live fully and with less pain.

The transition to an empty nest can be a profound shift in one’s life, often filled with a mix of emotions and newfound freedom. While many experts offer advice on navigating this phase, the essence boils down to two vital elements: community and exploration.

Recently, some friends and I visited the Parke County Covered Bridge Festival in central Indiana. The festival features authentic arts and crafts, delicious food, and beautiful autumn foliage. We enjoyed tasty treats like Amish donuts, fudge, and hot apple cider while getting to know each other better and strengthening our relationships.

The Frustrations of Filming, Editing, and Posting Instagram Reels: An Empty Nester Content Creator's Struggle

If you've noticed my absence from blog posts recently, it’s because creating, editing, and posting Instagram Reels has taken over my life. I joined the IG Reels on Fire Challenge to grow my social media reach and connect with more empty nesters like you. My mission is to help you navigate this season of change with faith while inspiring connection, passion, and purpose. But I didn’t expect just how time-consuming this process would be.

Motherhood had always been a dream of mine. From a young age, I envisioned myself nurturing a child, guiding them through life’s milestones, and creating a family filled with love and laughter. However, as life often does, my journey to motherhood took a series of unexpected twists and turns, testing my faith, resilience, and ability to embrace the unpredictable.

Welcome to our Empty Nest Community Quiz! If you’re looking for ways to reignite your passions, find meaningful connections, and live with purpose, you’re in the right place. Our faith-filled community is here to support and inspire you as you navigate this new chapter. Let’s see how our community can best meet your needs and interests. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in!