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How God Uses Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth
Purpose Jo Wilhelm Purpose Jo Wilhelm

How God Uses Your Prayers to Move Heaven and Earth

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.

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Embracing the Midlife Journey: Finding Purpose and Joy in the Empty Nest
Mindset & Health Jo Wilhelm Mindset & Health Jo Wilhelm

Embracing the Midlife Journey: Finding Purpose and Joy in the Empty Nest

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.

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Don't Miss God's Promises in Life's Changes as an Empty Nester!
Purpose Jo Wilhelm Purpose Jo Wilhelm

Don't Miss God's Promises in Life's Changes as an Empty Nester!

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.”

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Discover Your Guiding Word for 2025: Join the Life-Changing One Word Workshop
Purpose Jo Wilhelm Purpose Jo Wilhelm

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

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.

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Rediscovering the Heart of Advent: A Faithful Path to Connection and Purpose
Purpose Jo Wilhelm Purpose Jo Wilhelm

Rediscovering the Heart of Advent: A Faithful Path to Connection and Purpose

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.

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Financial Planning for Empty Nesters: Navigating Life’s Transitions
Financial Jo Wilhelm Financial Jo Wilhelm

Financial Planning for Empty Nesters: Navigating Life’s Transitions

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.

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Rediscovering “Us” in the Empty Nest
Relationships Jo Wilhelm Relationships Jo Wilhelm

Rediscovering “Us” in the Empty Nest

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.

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Empty Nesters: Indiana Covered Bridge Festival Awaits Now!
Connect Jo Wilhelm Connect Jo Wilhelm

Empty Nesters: Indiana Covered Bridge Festival Awaits Now!

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.

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Empty Nest Film Fiascos: Roll Tape...
Connect Jo Wilhelm Connect Jo Wilhelm

Empty Nest Film Fiascos: Roll Tape...

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.

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Midlife Mom: Faith, Perseverance and Legacy
Purpose Jo Wilhelm Purpose Jo Wilhelm

Midlife Mom: Faith, Perseverance and Legacy

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.

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Discover the Purposeful Empty Nest Journey! (Coming Soon)
Purpose Jo Wilhelm Purpose Jo Wilhelm

Discover the Purposeful Empty Nest Journey! (Coming Soon)

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!

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Blossom Now: From Wilting to Thriving!
Mindset & Health Jo Wilhelm Mindset & Health Jo Wilhelm

Blossom Now: From Wilting to Thriving!

Have you ever walked by a neglected plant, its leaves drooping, its once vibrant green now faded to a sickly yellow? Maybe it was a plant you picked up with excitement, imagining how it would thrive under your care. But life got busy, distractions piled up, and before you knew it, that plant started to whither and wilt, a mere shadow of what it could have been.

It's a stark image, but it sometimes resonates with how you feel about your life. There are seasons when we pour everything we have into our families, careers, and commitments, often at the expense of our well-being. It's easy to lose ourselves in the process, forgetting that we, too, need attention, nourishment, and care to thrive.

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Reveal Your Inner Spark & Thrive Now!
Mindset & Health Jo Wilhelm Mindset & Health Jo Wilhelm

Reveal Your Inner Spark & Thrive Now!

At Connect Home Life, we believe in the power of stories that transform wounds into wisdom. Our updated About page reflects this journey, resonating with my 2024 One Word “transformation.” Join us as we share heartfelt narratives of resilience and growth, where challenges become stepping stones to greater understanding.

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Restoring Our Dock Steps: A DIY Guide
Home Jo Wilhelm Home Jo Wilhelm

Restoring Our Dock Steps: A DIY Guide

Owning waterfront property with a dock brings joy and responsibility. Over time, the elements can take a toll on your dock steps, especially if made from pressure-treated wood. You can restore your dock steps to their former glory with essential tools and materials. Here's a step-by-step guide on repairing pressure-treated dock steps using true 1” x 6” x 8’ boards (Menard’s calls it premium decking) for treads and 6” x 6” x 8’ treated lumber for supports.

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Embracing the Empty Nest: Rediscovering Purpose, Passion, and Connection Through Life's Challenges
Purpose Jo Wilhelm Purpose Jo Wilhelm

Embracing the Empty Nest: Rediscovering Purpose, Passion, and Connection Through Life's Challenges

Hi, I'm Jo! It's great to connect with you! I'm an empty-nest wife, mom, coffee lover, and retired financial management professional. In a season of life where the bustling home turns quiet, I understand the mix of emotions you're experiencing. After health challenges caused me to put my career on hold, I dedicated myself to nurturing my family, only to face an empty nest.

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Discovering Hidden Gems: A Bargain Shopping Adventure and Awe-Inspiring Navy Blue Angels Aerial Show
Passions Jo Wilhelm Passions Jo Wilhelm

Discovering Hidden Gems: A Bargain Shopping Adventure and Awe-Inspiring Navy Blue Angels Aerial Show

As the nest empties and life takes on a new rhythm, there are opportunities to rediscover passions and explore new experiences. Last Sunday, my husband and I stopped by Kohl's after church. This retail haven offers a treasure trove of deals that can reignite your passion for fashion, décor, and more, all while fostering a sense of connection and purpose.

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Florida - Your Perfect Work-Life Balance Destination
Passions Connect Home Life Passions Connect Home Life

Florida - Your Perfect Work-Life Balance Destination

I wanted to connect with you and share some exciting news. During my recent trip to Florida, I took some time to recharge my batteries and explore the beautiful state. But, I also attended the EBA Powerhouse intensive training by Christian small business owner Ruth Soukup in Port Charlotte. It was a transformative experience for me! The day was filled with practical tools and strategies for online business success, but what truly sets this experience apart is the underlying current of connection and community. I met people worldwide and gained fresh ideas and perspectives to share.

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