Empty Nest Guests

Grief – What TO Say & What NOT To SayTo Someone Who Is Grieving It's so hard to find just the right words to someone who is grieving. Listen in and learn from three empty nesters who have loved deeply, lost recently, and are living with hope since the passing of their loved ones. This heartfelt and faith-filled podcast will cover:Things to say that are helpful to one who is grievingThings to NOT say that can be hurtfulHow to best help those you love who are grieving We'll also learn about the stages of grief so that we can best lean in and love well.Insightful counselors who have lost their loved ones share personal experiences as well as much-needed advice about how to best support those navigating the difficult emotions associated with loss. This overlooked topic is meant to help us all be better about supporting those we love who are grieving - in the best way possible for them. Learn how to help others in the way they need offering empathy and sincere help. Sincere thanks to these dear people whose wise words are a blessing: Jackie Cleary, LPC, LMFTCleary Counseling and Consultinghttps://clearycounseling.comJcleary6855@gmail.com918-671-2225 Sally Sullivan, LPCC, LMFTCRebound Mental Healthwww.reboundmh.org Shelly DrullingerA wonderful realtor in Tulsa, OK918-637-3832 Produced by Myron Patrickhttps://myronpatrick.com Recorded at Elevate Coworkinghttps://elevatecollaborations.com To reach Charlotte:https://charlotteguest.com

Healing Life's Deepest Hurts Reclaiming Your Life After Grief, Loss & Trauma With Kimberly Haar, LPC, LMFTThe wounds of grief, loss, and trauma may look different for each person, but the questions we ask and the pain we feel is very much the same.Yet hope and healing are possible.Podcast guest Kimberly Haar pulls back the curtain on her own devastating journey as a domestic violence survivor.Assaulted and kidnapped by her ex-husband, she witnessed seeing her new love shot ten times. In this raw and compassionate book, Haar guides readers through the stages of healing and combines her personal testimony with her professional experience to offer a lifeline of hope to those wrestling with seemingly inescapable pain.Navigating life's darkest seasons is possible and God has not abandoned you--even if it feels like it.Kimberly and Charlotte talk about:How to move from “Why me?” to “What now?”Transforming deep pain into joy through compassionate biblical wisdom and practical mental healthGod's ability to take our broken dreams, broken hearts, and broken lives and make something beautiful of them, no matter our story. Kimberly prays that her story serves as a beacon of hope, reminding you that you're not alone in your pain and that you cannot only survive but thrive beyond trauma.May this podcast help you find purpose that can come from pain and help you move forward with courage and resilience.To reach Kimberly:https://kimberlyhaar.com To reach Charlotte:https://charlotteguest.com

Join Charlotte and Kate Battistelli, speaker, author, podcaster, and mother to Christian singer Francesca Battistelli as they discuss the second act of the empty nest. Listen in and learn from Kate who's also a grandmother to seven grandchildren. She's also been a young actress in New York City in the early 80's and toured with Yul Brynner with the production of The King and I. Kate and her husband, Mike, live in Franklin, Tennessee. She has much wisdom to share.In her new book, The After Party of the Empty Nest, Kate reminds us that “Mom” is not our only name. This new season is a time to rediscover many hopes and dreams as well as the freedom to act on dreams deferred while raising children.As you transition from mom to empty nest mom, take some time to ask yourself:Who am I now?What is my purpose now that my children are gone?What gifts and talents do I have to offer?What should my priorities be?How do I become something more than mom?This second act of life offers a bright future, different from yourchildren's but filled with hope and surprises! With the Lord's help, you can walk fearlessly into it.To reach Kate:https://katebattistelli.comTo reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

Everything You Need Know About Midlife With Dr. Mikala Albertson   (This is for women but…husbands listen in so you can best understand your girl.)   Ladies, this podcast is for you if:   You are overwhelmed by midlife changes and are feeling a bit lost. You desire to navigate perimenopause and mood disorders. You would like to address preventative health measures unique to YOU. You would like to learn how to manage co-occurring life stressors like relationships issue and shifting roles. You long to find beauty and purpose in the precious stage of life.   Charlotte and Dr. Mikala Albertson discuss Dr. Mikala's incredible book, Everything I Wish I Could Tell You About Midlife. Dr. Mikala is an MD. She's a board-certified family practice doctor and well-being advocate who is passionate about women's health and healing in the middle of our messy, ordinary lives. Drawing from 18 years of evidence-based clinical practice and her own experiences, Dr. Mikala offers real stories and current medical information in her book. It's a GREAT read for empty nesters and for those whose nest is emptying.   Dr. Mikala shares warm guidance, reassuring stories, and science-based information. Her book is a medical resource as well as a supportive companion. It's a must-read for anyone seeking to understand and embrace their midlife journey. She reminds us that while life can be hard, there are steps we can take toward health, growth, and healing while discovering along the way that there is beauty too.   Dr. Mikala inspires readers to aim for wholehearted living through a gentle, achievable, sustainable approach. She and her husband have five children and live near Salt Lake City Utah.   To reach Dr. Mikala: Mikala Albertson MD   To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest

Are you feeling empty in your empty nest marriage? Have you experienced a slow fade regarding your feelings for each other? Would you like to move from being frustrated with your spouse to being fascinated? Jill and Mark Savage can help with that. If you are missing your wedding day connection and have turned into roommates instead of lovers and loving partners, this podcast is for you. It's time to: Stay Curious Learn Each Other & Grow Together In the empty nesting years, many couples grow apart. Yet, it's proven that couples that grow together stay together. But that isn't by chance. It takes intention, commitment and leaning into to your Creator and to each other. Jill and Mark have been married for 41 years. Most of them were happy years. Yet, during their years of struggle, their hearts were miles apart. After navigating infidelity on Mark's part, a dark year and a four-month separation, they put the broken pieces of their relationship back together and began to have different kinds of conversations. They dug deeper, listened better and learned more about fine-tuning the inside rather than symptom-treating the outside of their relationship.   Now, Jill and Mark are committed to helping other couples upgrade their marriages too. Listen in and learn how your marriage can be full and fulfilling – even in the empty nest.   To reach Jill and Mark: Coaching - Mark and Jill Savage     To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest

A Special Holiday Message:   Tracing His Promise  Unveiling the Presence of Jesus Throughout the Bible  With Donna Amidon   Join Charlotte and Donna as they discuss how Jesus is not confined to the Gospels alone but weaves His presence throughout the entire Bible, even in the most unexpected corners of the Old Testament.    Isn't it special…He does this in our own lives too doesn't He?      While the stories of Jesus in the New Testament may feel like familiar friends, the ancient tales of the Old Testament can seem daunting and distant. But fear not, there is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered--a promise that echoes from the beginning of time to the humble cradle in Bethlehem. Donna's book, Tracing His Promise, unveils a transformative journey through key stories, unraveling the intricate tapestry of God's redemptive plan.  Amidon loves to share rich theology, heartwarming anecdotes, and practical wisdom.  Do you desire to deepen your faith?  Do you want to see the interconnectedness of Scripture?  Do you hope to draw closer to the heart of God's story? Do you desire to have renewed peace and hope for today?  This podcast is for you! Listen in and learn how you can discover your “yes” to each of these questions.  You'll also learn more about how to foster meaningful family traditions, ensuring that the story of Jesus is passed down from generation to generation…a precious heirloom of faith.  To reach Charlotte:  To reach Donna:  https://www.donnaamidon.org/

Unfortunately, life stressors can cause us to lose our ability to like each other in a marriage. Empty nesters often become more like roommates than a thriving, connected couple. Often, both have gotten out of the habit of appreciating each other and spending meaningful time together. Join Charlotte and Janis Sharpe. M.S., LMFT as they have an authentic conversation about how to love your spouse when you don't like them. Whether you are going through a rough patch or are in a valley, this podcast is for you. Listen in as Charlotte and Janis talk about: How can I begin to start liking my spouse again? How can I regain focus of how to love my spouse well? How can I look for the truths that are positive in our relationship? What do I do if I feel unappreciated, unseen or unheard? How can I cope with the false beliefs that cloud my thoughts? How can I stay on guard regarding the lies the enemy sends my way? It's not what we say but how we say things that matter and make a difference Help for those in abuse, addiction, lack of safety, infidelity, or betrayal How to not play the blame game and break bad habits Also, insert your name in this beloved scripture as it will help reframe your thoughts and soften your heart to love your spouse and other well:   ____________ is patient. ____________ is kind. ____________ does not envy. ____________ does not boast. ____________ is not proud. ____________ does not dishonor others. ____________ is not self-seeking.  ____________ is not easily angered. ____________ keeps no record of wrongs. ____________ does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. ____________ always, protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.   1 Corinth. 13:4 – 7   Thanks for listening. Your time is valuable and so are you! To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com To reach Janis: https://brentandjanissharpe.com

It's time for Christians to let go of pretending and enjoy a freeing, authentic relationship with Jesus and others. Are you tired of trying to be someone you're not? Many of us spend a lot of energy—especially at church—trying to hide the fact that we're struggling. We can't share our problems, our sadness, our hurts and hangups and our sense of distance from God. In Being Real > Being Perfect, Justin Davis reminds us that God doesn't heal what we don't admit is broken. As he vulnerably shares his own story of redemption, Justin helps us understand:  ·        Why being real with ourselves, God, and others leads to peace and hope ·        How faking perfection robs us of the transformative power of grace ·        What the Bible says about insecurity and identity ·        Step-by-step ways to overcome our fear of being vulnerable  If you're tired of trying to prove yourself, if you're tired of wondering where the real “you” went, if you're tired of knowing information but not experiencing transformation—discover the vibrant spiritual life you long for as you embrace the truth that being real is greater than you can imagine.   To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest  To reach Justin: RefineUs Ministries

Mothers, Daughters & the Empty Nest   What We Need From Each Other & What We Need to Offer   With Dr. Helen McIntosh and Charlotte's Daughters, Kate and Cambri As empty nesting moms, we find ourselves in unique spaces and places. Many of us are doing life with our own parents and our adult daughters. Some of us have more time on our hands and some have less. As we pour out and love our families, we also must manage our own expectations and emotions. Listen in as Helen and Charlotte talk about: How healthy is our nest? And our relationships?   How can we moms offer more than we expect to receive?   How do we not set ourselves up for disappointment?   How can we release our expectations, yet share our hopes?   What do our girls need from us?   Leaning in and looking to Jesus to lead our days is the answer to most of life's issue. Yet sometimes it is hard to surrender and let Him do so. How can we better do this? Seeing our daughters with the eyes of Christ certainly helps us understand their lives and needs. Charlotte likes to ask her girls, “How can I best love and support you these days? How can I be praying for you?   What else can we do as moms to love our adult daughters as we empty nest?   Thanks for joining us in this meaningful conversation,   To reach Helen: Our Mended Hearts with Blythe Daniel & Dr. Helen McIntosh   To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

It's Time for a New Life Harness Hope, Joy and Believe in YOU!   With Pamela Jean Founder & CEO   You really can have a new life in the empty nest!  Now is the time to create the life you've dreamed of and the life you deserve.   Sometimes, we get stuck. We listen to voices that bring us down, our own voices, voices from others and voices from our past. These negative thoughts set us back. Now is the time to go forward, to love yourself as the Lord does and harness positive thoughts and a hope-filled life.   Pamela Jean spends her life empowering women to believe in themselves, to lean into the Lord and to His promises.   It's time to love yourself with the depth and intensity that the Lord does and to live fully and freely. Listen in…you'll be inspired to start today to take the steps to have the balanced life you desire.   To reach Pamela: WELCOME - Pamela Jean A New Life   To hear Pamela's podcast: PODCAST - Pamela Jean A New Life   To hear Charlotte on Pamela's podcast: A New Life Podcast with Pamela Jean on Apple Podcasts

Longing for More?  With Kelly Needham, author, and podcaster   What if the more we crave is not something we achieve but is something we receive?   Are you longing for more? Do you ponder your purpose? Listen in as Charlotte talks with author Kelly Needham about how we need to not be purposefooled. We hear that we were made for more. Yet our modern understanding of what it means to live a meaningful life can feel like a burden, not a dream. Kelly Needham explains the problem isn't that we long for something more. The problem is what we believe “something more” is. We spend our lives chasing the verbs when we were meant to live for the Noun.   Kelly offers insights into: why our hearts long for a sense of purpose what the Bible says about true world-changers how to seek true greatness while embracing the ordinary how resting can accomplish more than producing & more As we recognize the source of our hunger for the extraordinary, we can more forward in freedom rather than feeling stuck in guilt or disappointment. We can discover how to build a purpose-filled reality without being purposefooled.   Let's embrace the joy today that we always assumed was somewhere down the road.   Thanks for tuning in! Your time is valuable, and we appreciate your sharing it with us.   To reach Kelly: Jimmy and Kelly   To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

A Look at Loneliness  With Sydney Black MS, LPC   Have you ever been lonely? I have. It surprised me. Yet, I learned a lot from being lonely.   Listen in if you are lonely, have ever been lonely or know someone who is. Jesus experienced the feeling of loneliness too. He knows just how to help.   In this episode, we talk about loneliness and:  Isolation and the types of loneliness Not wanting to burden others How we can listen to untrue voices in our head What it's like to feel disconnected Longing for companionship The physical and mental effects of loneliness Causes of loneliness Situational loneliness and chronic loneliness The signs of loneliness Listeners, loneliness, being alone and solitude are not the same things. You need to know the difference as well as recognize the signs of loneliness, in either yourself or those you love. SEEK HELP IMMEDIATELY by calling 988 if you feel suicidal. 911 also is helpful in an emergency. Involve God, involve others and seek help.   “Turn to me and be gracious to me, for I am lonely and afflicted. Relieve the troubles of my heart and free me from my anguish…Guard my life and rescue me…for I take refuge in You.” Psalm 25: 16, 17 & 20.   “…for the Lord your God goes with you; He will never leave you or forsake you.” Deut. 31:6   “If God is for us, who can be against us? Romans 8:31   “And surely I am with you always, even to the very end of the age.” Matth. 28:20.   Thanks for tuning in. I always value your time and have you in my prayers. Remember listeners, YOU matter. You are worthy. You are valuable and You are LOVED so much by the One who made you. Don't delay if you are experiencing loneliness…reach out…lean in and look up to Your heavenly father. Engage in the support you need and know that, like it is promised in Deut. 31:6, God IS with you. He will go WITH you, and He will NEVER leave you.   To reach Sydney Black, MS, LPC, for an in-person or virtual appointment, call: 918-499-0300.   To reach Charlotte: chargordy@cox.net

Pulitzer Prize nominee and acclaimed author and speaker, Clifton Taulbert,joins Charlotte as they discuss his book:Eight Habits of the Heart.Born in the Mississippi Delta, Clifton reaped rewards for his observances ofthe strong family bonds that seemed to spring from the rich soil of theregion.His book, Once Upon a Time When We Were Colored was released in 1996 as amajor motion picture, starring Phylicia Rashad. Taulbert has written severalbooks, all of which can be found on his website:https://www.cliftontaulbert.com/In his inspiring handbook, Clifton lays out eight principles he learned fromhis elders:*A Nurturing Attitude*Dependability* Responsibility*Friendship*Brotherhood*High Expectations*Courage*HopeThese eight habits can be utilized today as we empty nesters, and those ofall ages, aspire to strengthen our relationships, our families and ourcommunities.Listen in how some front porch wisdom from Taulbert's elders can bless ustoday.To view the video of this recording visit https://youtu.be/TC71C2IrP5oTo reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.comThank you again and have a blessed day!Charlotte

Family & friends, as we celebrate the holidays let's be a gift to others. Let's be peace and offer hope.  Let's let cars in during traffic and be kind to cashiers. Little things are big things.  Let's be a safe place for people.  Let's reconcile and reconnect.  May we remember the Reason for the season and prepare our hearts for the coming year.  Thanks for tuning in. You are a blessing in my life.

Aging Faithfully with Alice Fryling   Would you like to grow even as you age?   Even in the empty nest you can have the courage to receive God's love in new ways.   Join Charlotte and best-selling author and spiritual director, Alice Fryling as they discuss aging faithfully.   Aging is a holy invitation to growing older.   We still have undiscovered country to experience in our later years. If we listen to God's voice in this vulnerable time, God will renew us from within.   Friends, let's accept the reality of aging and our responses to it. If we do that, we will grow closer to God and experience His grace.   Our golden years can be filled with fruit and life.   Listen in and hear:   What is the difference between productive and fruitful as we age?   How can empty nesters relate and respond to the fear of being useless?   With less of you there is more of God. This is a beautiful way to look at our aging process.     Click here to purchase Alice's book Aging Faithfully: Amazon.com : aging faithfully   To reach Alice, click here: Alice Fryling | Author & Spiritual Director   To reach Charlotte:  https://charlotteguest.com

Are We Really Friends? The Road to Godly Friendships With Rev. Dr. Patricia McLeod Empty Nesters, most of the time, our friendships are a blessing. Sometimes, though, they are hard.   Listen in as Charlotte and the Rev. Dr. Patricia McLeod talk about friendships. God has a wonderful design for friendships. Satan does his best to destroy them.   This conversation covers these truths as well as: How do we place false expectations on friends and have unrealistic presuppositions? How do we have godly, wholesome, and authentic friendships? What is God's design for friendship? How can we be the friend to others we'd like to have?   It's time to be liberated from the bondage of erroneous beliefs about friendship and the false expectations we impose on our friends.   Let's be the friend we want to have.   Our best friend is Jesus. He's always with us. His friends let Him down, He looked up and turned to His Father. We can too! Let's lean in, look up and learn from Him.   Dr. McLeod is a Pastor at the International Gathering at Beth Rapha in New York. She serves as Director of Christian Education and Vice President of Beth Rapha Christian College & Theological Seminary, Inc. She received her Bachelor of Science degree from Virginia State University and her Master's in Educational Supervision & Administration from Bowling Green State University. She also has her Master's and Doctorate degrees in Christian Education Administration from Beth Rapha Christian College & Theological Seminary. Dr. Patricia is happily married to General Davis McLeod and is the proud stepmother of two. They have been blessed with six lovely grandchildren and a host of godchildren.   To reach Dr. McLeod: pmcleod1958@gmail.com To order her book: click here   Dr. McLeod offers discussion chapters at the end of each chapter for further study and discussion. To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

Listen in as my son and son-in-law share what they desire to receive for from their fathers.   At the time of this recording, my son is 27 and my son-in-law is 30. Both are new fathers. I asked them to reflect about what fatherhood means to them.   They share from the heart about what their fathers taught them. They offer what they want to teach their kids and how they are leaning into the Heavenly Father to help them in their journey as a father.   Big thanks, Grant and Connor, for sharing your hearts with Empty Nest Guests listeners. We all can learn from you.     To reach Charlotte: www.https://charlotteguest.com

Empty Nesting and Fatherhood   Especially for fathers, this podcast is for you.   Now that your children have grown and flown, are you wondering “What's next regarding my role as a father? Good news! Your role as a father isn't over, it's evolving.   Join Charlotte, her husband Gordy, and Jim Burns from HomeWord as their meaningful conversation explores the answers to these common questions:     It feels like my “job” as a father and raising them is over now that they are out of the house. Is it?   How do I involve myself without overstepping?   How do I love my wife well as she misses the children?   How do I affirm the now independent kids?   What do healthy boundaries look like?   How do I help heal (and break the curse of/from) father wounds?   Dads and daughters/Dads and sons – what similar, what's different?   Thanks for tuning in. Spending time with you is special!   Remember…your heavenly Father loves to father you and your adult children. The more we are like Him, the better parents we are.   “And I will be your Father and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord, Almighty.” 2 Corin. 6:18   To reach Jim Burns: HomeWord | Helping Families Succeed   To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

Episode #42 Parents of Estranged Adult Children With Aimee Palmer   Estranged from her daughter, on and off for five years, Aimee Palmer has walked a long, confusing, hard, and hurtful road.   So have countless other parents whose children have walked away from a relationship with them. All too often, a rejected parent or parents often don't know what they did wrong to warrant this type of treatment.   Many times, that same child has walked away from faith, everyone in the family and from connectivity with those who love them most.   When an adult child rejects or abandons a parent, common feelings arise like: Anger Despair Failure Guilt Isolation Shame And More   Aimee founded the international support group PEAC – Parents of Estranged Adult Children to bring hurting parents together.   On her website: Parents Of Estranged Adult Children Support Group (peacinternational.org), https://peacinternational.org, you'll find helpful resources and links for online meetings where you can surround yourself with others who are estranged from their children.   If you are experiencing alienation, a strain in your relationship with your adult child or are completely estranged from them, this podcast is for you. Listen in as Aimee shares helpful tips to survive and thrive as you are experiencing estrangement.  In community there is courage, strength, and hope.  As Aimee shares, “When we share common pain and goals...there is healing.”   It is our hope and prayer that you will find healing and help here and that, soon, you will be reconnected with your adult child. Thanks for listening. You are in our prayers.   Charlotte and Aimee   To reach Aimee:  https://peacinternational.org & aimee@peacinternational.org To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com & chargordy@cox.net

Episode #41 (Guest: Laurie Beth Jones)How Do We Stay on His Path & Hear His Voice? Join International best-selling author, speaker, coach and trainer, Laurie Beth Jones, and Charlotte on this episode.They discuss how to be mission-minded and hear God's voice on the path the Lord has for each of us. Full of wisdom, insight and experience, Laurie Beth shares about the importance of having a personal mission statement.She reminds us that sometimes our world is noisy, making it difficult to hear His voice above the noise.If we are not careful, this noise will pull us off His path.So how do we lean in and listen well? Tune in and we'll show you how. Laurie Beth has written over 14 best-selling books including Jesus CEO, The Path, Jesus in Blue Jeans andGrow Something Besides Old. Her books have sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide and have been translated into multiple foreign languages.Laurie Beth's words offer lasting impact and a legacy emphasis. Take a break from the noise and tune in…you'll be glad you did. “All the paths of the Lord are lovingkindness, goodness, truth and faithfulness to those who keep His covenant and his testimonies.” Psalm 25:10 AMP“Your ears will hear Him. Right behind you, a voice will say, this is the way you should go…” Isa. 30:21 To reach Laurie Beth Jones: Her Strategy is Wisdom (lauriebethjones.com) To reach Charlotte Guest: Charlotte Guest

What Makes a Grandparent Grand? With Ann and Bill Parkinson The Legacy Coalition – Christian Grandparenting Ministry   Whether you are a seasoned grandparent or soon to be one, this podcast is for you. Filled with wisdom, encouragement and insight, Ann and Bill share how to invest in the lives of grandchildren. The Legacy Coalition raises the importance of grandparenting through training, discussion, seminars, webinars, conferences, podcasts, ministry partners and through a wealth of resources.   They are all about elevating grandparents, reminding them that they have been called to disciple their grandchildren. The Legacy Coalition desires that grandparents reap the rewards of their ministry to their grandchildren. Their staff of veteran ministry leaders is deeply devoted to helping you pass on your faith so multiple generations of your family follow Christ.   Charlotte, Ann, and Bill discuss important principles for grandparents. You'll love hearing about: “Watch 1” “Teach 2” “Think 4” and “Bless all”   Listeners, there IS a war going on for families and grandparents can and should serve on the front lines. The mission to preserve families and leave a legacy is paramount and, through grandparenting, much is possible.   “…be careful and watch yourselves closely so that you do not forget the things your eyes have seen or let them fade from your heart as long as you live. Teach them to your children and to their children after them.”  - Deut. 4:9   To learn more about the Legacy Coalition – Christian Grandparenting Ministry: Legacy Coalition - Christian Grandparenting Ministry   To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

As we get closer to Mother's Day, this podcast is super insightful.      Tune in to hear:   Are You Struggling with A Difficult Mother-Daughter Relationship?   Join Charlotte as she visits with Dr. Helen McIntosh and Daughter Blythe Daniel, authors of Mended – Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters. (This wonderful book is endorsed by Lysa TerKeust, Stasi Eldredge and other best-selling authors.) Relationships between mothers and daughters can be messy and hurtful. In their book, Helen and Blythe share how they've built, guarded and renewed a relationship centered around respecting and listening first…then talking.   In this podcast, Charlotte, Helen and Blythe will walk you through the steps to restoring what's between you and include conversation starters that are welcoming. They also share. how to experience freedom when you aren't able to mend or reconcile. Listen in and learn how to: *Choose the relationship above your difference of opinion *Focus on not changing or controlling the other person *Recognize and remove behaviors that have carried over from generations * Confront hurts today – not digging through the mess of yesterday * Cope when reconciliation is not possible * Experience healing when your mother or daughter is no longer in your life and more. For more information about Mended – Restoring the Hearts of Mothers & Daughters To buy the book go to: www.ourmendedhearts.com To reach Charlotte:       https://charlotteguest.com   Also, listeners, this dynamic duo also has written a wonderful gift book: I Love You Mom! It's a wonderful gift for mom for Mother's Day or any day.   This special book contains more thoughts than a greeting card and is beautifully illustrated. The sentiments in I Love You Mom! will help you recall the ways you love your mom. The forward of the book allows you to leave a personalized message for mom.   In the back of the book, there is room for her thoughts.   Pick up your copy today on Amazon, at Tyndale House Publishers and other stores.

Episode #38 Loss, Grief and Living Your Gospel Losing my cousin Michael has left such a void in my life and in that of our family. Michael was a blessing and his life was a bright light in this world. In this short episode, I share some thoughts about loss, grief and how that affects our lives. Hopefully, with every loss we experience, we are reminded that our lives matter and how we live does too. Thankfully, I served at a hospice facility with my therapy dog, Fitz shortly after losing Michael. I picked up some helpful Care Notes booklets about how to care for yourself and others while grieving. (You can find these books here.) These booklets helped me tremendously and sure will in the future as well. I hope my words from what I learned will bless you. Also, in preparing my thoughts about Michael's life, I reflected on some dear words I heard at my friend's brother's Celebration of Life. He reminded us that our lives are a gospel and asked What does the gospel of you say? Tune in to this episode to hear more. Your life and your time are blessings to me. Loss and grief are so hard. Thankfully, we have a Comforter and a Creator. Jesus understands and so desires to walk through sorrows with us. Another of His names is Son of Suffering. May He bless you if you are grieving today. Thanks for listening. Charlotte To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com To see more Care Notes on other topics: CareNotes Inspirational Booklets | Carenotes To read some YouVersion Bible plans, written by Charlotte: Charlotte Guest | YouVersion Search | The Bible App

Episode #37 Mothers, Adult Sons & Empty Nesting (Guest: George Stahnke from Focus on the Family) As a son grows into a young man, he needs his mother's love and, now, more than ever, her respect. This respect needs to be unconditional. We need to understand our son's: masculine drives. their desire to achieve, provide and protect. and his need for friendship with us. Listen in as Charlotte and George Stahnke from Focus on the Family discuss some key points from Dr. Emerson Eggerichs' new book entitled: Mother and Son – The Respect Effect. Your son does want to connect with you, but on his own terms. “Men do not fear transparency,” says Eggerichs, “they fear shame, disapproval or a lecture. They fear disrespect.” Charlotte and George dive in to unveil helpful understandings of your son and his need for your respect to establish deeper levels of trust in your relationship. Listen in to hear how to do life “shoulder to shoulder” with your son and more. Other topics discussed include: What to do when your son does not deserve respect. What to say during times of conflict. How to handle when your son is angry with you. How to honor their family unit. How our need to ask our son's advice is important. Listen more than you talk. Let your son see that you have your own life. Affirm him and his dreams. As we mothers believe in our sons and the person God made them to be, we can get through difficult seasons and enjoy the blessings found in good times together. Special thanks to George for his time and his own wise insight. Remember… “the greatest of these is love.” 1 Corinth. 13:13. To reach George Stahnke: george@renewalcs.org For countless resources from Focus on the Family: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/ To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com/

Let's Pray AND Rebuke When times are tough, most of us know about the power of prayer. But… What about when times are REALLY tough? - What do you do with a health diagnosis that is unexpected? - How about when you feel oppressed, stressed and sense something bigger is at play? You know what? It probably is. Spiritual warfare is swirling about us all every day. In this video, Charlotte discusses the importance of rebuking illness and dis-ease. Recently diagnosed with RA and a strange tick-borne illness call Alpha-Gal, Charlotte has really suffered lately with inflammation, immobility and has needed a season of rest. Sickness is a hard part of life BUT, as believers, we do not have to accept a diagnosis lightly. There is power in prayer and much to learn about what rebuking is. Mark 4:36-40 talks about Jesus rebuking the wind and said “Peace, be still…” The wind ceased and there was a great calm. Luke 4:38 & 39 shares how Jesus rebuked a fever “and it left…” Friends, we, too, can rebuke in Jesus' name because, as believers we have Him living inside of us. Listen in how you can pray and harness the awesome power of rebuking. To reach Charlotte about this topic go to: https://charlotteguest.com Thanks for tuning in. YOU will be in my prayers, especially if you are dealing with illness. Please share your prayer request here and I promise to pray for you. (Hey, I'd appreciate yours too! RA is tough! ) Charlotte Guest Podcaster & Writer CharlotteGuest.com | chargordy@cox.net Listen to Empty Nest Guests – The Podcast Check out my YouVersion Bible Plans For this podcast and other amazing Christian podcasts, visit Edifi Podcast Network | Edifi Empty Nest Guests is part of the Spark Media Collective. Spark Media “May the God of hope fill you with joy & peace.” Rom. 15:13

Let's Stay Encouraged in These Encore Years & Please Stay In Touch Thank you listeners for joining Charlotte on her podcasting journey! In this episode, Charlotte recaps the key messages shared on her past 33 episodes. She has been so blessed with incredible guests who have shared wisdom and insight for living our best lives now. Charlotte is excited as she will be on a hiatus for a bit and plans to concentrate on some writing. (Please keep her in your prayers as she writes.) She'll be working on a book that summarizes the podcasts thus far and offers encouragement for the encore years. She also loves children's books and will work on those as well. Charlotte hopes you'll enjoy this podcast that offers key tips from past episodes and suggests you re-listen to past episodes too! Here's a note from Charlotte: “Thank you, thank you listeners for sharing your valuable time with me on Empty Nest Guests. We've had some great shows together and I have loved every minute and learned so much from my incredible guests. As I spend writing time outside of the recording studio, please reach out to me at https://charlotteguest.com for encore year topic suggestions. You all stay in my prayers and I thank you for your wonderful support of me, my guests and the podcast. Stay healthy and hopeful and keep shinin'! These can be your best years yet!” With love, Charlotte For this podcast and other amazing Christian podcasts, visit Edifi Podcast Network | Edifi Empty Nest Guests is part of the Spark Media Collective. Spark Media

Getting Beyond Burnout When You Are Barely Hanging On As a Caregiver Adult caregivers, you can avoid burnout as you care for your loved one. It's sure not easy and, often, we forget to care for ourselves in the process. “Honor your father and mother,” in Exodus 20:12 is a commandment with a promise. The Lord shares that if we honor our parents, our days may be long in the land He gives us. Being a caregiver of your own parents or an aging adult is both a labor of love and a responsibility. The task comes with many stressors that affect your mental and emotional health, your ability to relax, sleep well and overall quality of life. Often, your own finances are affected as is your work/life balance and time with your immediate family, perhaps your own children. Join Charlotte and Carole Jeanne Runnels, R.N. as they talk about caring for yourself in the process of caregiving while ensuring your loved one receives the best possible care. Carole Jeanne is a committed Christ-follower, a dear friend of Charlotte's, and lovingly cared for her mother, father, aunt and uncle for 12 years into their end-stages of life. Her nursing career of 38 years included serving as an oncology nurse, an educational programs coordinator and as a school nurse. Caregiving is hard. Yet it is priceless time to help your loved ones finish out their lives well. Keeping your spiritual tank full, involving Christian community and finding small things that bring you joy are helpful as is taking the scenic route and remembering the fullness of your aging adult's life. Carole Jeanne suggests sharing the freedom that comes from the ability to discuss everything and to serve as your loved ones advocate. Tapping in to community resources and offering yourself a bit of grace will help you “do the next right thing” as you care for your loved one. Tune in to hear more from this insightful conversation. These scriptures helped Carole Jeanne and they can help you: “The Joy of the Lord is my strength,” Nehemiah 8:10 “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” Phil. 4:13. A suggested book for help is Cruising Through Caregiving by Jennifer FitzPatrick, MSW, LCSW-C, CSP. You can purchase it here: Amazon.com : cruising through caregiving. To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com Empty Nest Guests is part of the Spark Media Collective. For this podcast and other amazing Christian podcasts, visit the Edifi Podcast Network | Edifi.

You Have a Fierce Calling Yes! Even in the encore years you have a call on your life. God has great purposes for you. Your life has meaning and, each day, He has a mission for you. Why do we forget that as empty nesters? Listen in as Charlotte and Doris Swift, host of the Fierce Calling podcast, talk about: · What having a “call” on your life means (and one that is “fierce”) · Why some empty nesters have lost a calling · How we need to surround ourselves with “dream defenders” · Why we need to NOT compare our calling with others (and what Jesus says about that) Before being called into something, we are called to some One. Jesus calls us to Him to carry out the very missions He created us to do. Doris is a devoted follower of Jesus. She is passionate about discipleship and encouraging others to walk deeper in biblical truth and in their calling. As a leader and lay counselor, Doris is blessed to assist people in discovering God's solutions to their needs. She loves unveiling how they can use their gifts to impact the world for the furtherance of the Kingdom of God. Her Fierce Calling Podcast will encourage, equip, and engage you to walk deeper in God's word, bloom in your fierce calling, and use your gifts to impact the world for Christ. Learning through community is an amazing thing and our voices matter. We all have a sphere of influence. God places us where we are for a reason. In ministry for over 30 years, Doris is blessed to be on staff at her church and serves as a Christian lay counselor. She is an author, speaker, and podcast host who loves encouraging people to flourish in their calling and purpose. Charlotte and Doris agree that God has plans for each one of us. God knows us personally and He is calling us to know Him more. He is also calling us to tell others about Him so they can know Him more. It's exciting to see those plans come to life in the encore years! We'd love to share some time with you. Scriptures for our podcast: * Eph. 3: 16 - 19 “I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the Lord's holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.” * Romans 8:16 “For His Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children.” * Romans 15:13 “I pray that God, the source of hope will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then, you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” * John 15:5 “Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me and I in them will produce much fruit. For apart from me, you can do nothing.” To reach Doris: FIERCE CALLING PODCAST WITH DORIS SWIFT part of the Spark Network and Fierce Calling Ministries ⋆ ...BECAUSE EVERY WOMAN OF GOD HAS A FIERCE CALLING Click to join Doris's email list. To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest To join Charlotte's e-mail list: Contact | Charlotte Guest To see Charlotte's Etsy shop for art cards that help fund Empty Nest Guests: CharlotteGuestArt | Etsy Charlotte Guest Podcaster & Writer

Finding Joy in the Empty Nest Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life Join best-selling author and President of Home Word, Jim Burns, and Charlotte as they talk about JOY! Sometimes, in the empty nesting years, you need to look for joy to find it, as well as purpose and passion. Jim and Charlotte will discuss some treasures from his latest book: Finding Joy in the Empty Nest, Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life. Whether you've been looking forward to it, or dreading it, the experience of coming home to the empty nest brings with it a well of emotions, realizations and one gigantic, all-consuming thought: Now what? As an empty nester, the options before you are practically limitless -a fact that can be as exciting as it is terrifying. In his new book, Jim Burns combines his personal experiences with extensive research, interviews with other empty nesters and his professional work as a family educator to help you navigate your new life as an empty nester and find JOY in the opportunities for life-change before you. In this conversation, Jim and Charlotte will encourage you to lean in to the source of all joy, Jesus Christ. They will encourage you to pursue a few fresh starts, to get to know and re-invent yourself and life and thrive beyond this new stage. Jim offers practical advice and timeless principles, including how to: * change the relationship you once had with your children - for the better, * face big issues (like aging parents, finances and kids returning home) with confidence, * rekindle your fire and purpose to live with passion day by day. Charlotte and Jim agree...these next years offer countless blessings and wonderful opportunities for you to seize and offer joy. Thanks for listening and sharing time with us! Scriptures about JOY: James 1:2 - "When troubles come, of any kind, consider it an opportunity for great joy." Gal. 5:22 - "But the Holy Spirit produces joy." Phil. 4:4 - "Always be full of joy in the Lord..." Psalms 126:5 - "Those who plant in tears will harvest shouts of joy!" Romans 15:13 - "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then, you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit." To reach Jim Burns: HomeWord | Helping Families Succeed HomeWord seeks to advance the work of God in the world by educating, equipping, and encouraging parents and churches to build God-honoring families from generation to generation. HomeWord is non-profit, donor supported ministry. If you would like to partner with HomeWord in our effort to help more parents and families you can make a donation. Your investment will allow us to expand this ministry and is deeply appreciated. To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest Empty Nest Guests is on the Spark Network which can be found on the Edifi app. Edifi offers thousands of Christian podcasts; download that awesome app today. Visit Charlotte's Etsy shop purchase art cards that help fund Empty Nest Guests. Thank you for listening! Your time is valuable. Thanks for spending it with Empty Nest Guests. Charlotte Guest Podcaster & Writer CharlotteGuest.com | chargordy@cox.net Listen to Empty Nest Guests - The Podcast Check out my YouVersion Bible Plan "May the God of hope fill you with joy & peace." Rom. 15:13

Parenting Aging Parents Kim & Mike Barnes are former, award-winning TV journalists. They created Parenting Aging Parents for those of us who are: stepping in more to help our parents as they get older. Whether you're providing hands-on caregiving, helping manage doctor's appointments, finances, or anything in between, it can be challenging and confusing. It's easy to feel like you're the only one going through this. Charlotte, Kim and Mike want adult children and other caregivers to know they're not alone. Listen in as Charlotte visits with Kim and Mike about common topics those parenting aging parents share in common: * Practical questions everyone 40+ needs to have with their parents * How to have uncomfortable conversations with aging parents * 5 tips to prepare caregivers for the challenges ahead * How to protect your parents from scams * Elderly dating – what you need to know may shock you * & more There's so much to know. Learn about the resources they've gathered and join their supportive community in the free private Facebook group. Kim and Mike, through Parenting Aging Parents, desire to be the bridge to help others make the connections they need. To Reach Kim and Mike:· Email: info@parentingagingparents.com· Website: https://parentingagingparents.com/Find them on:· Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/parentingagingparents· Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMvOBPk9VRiHiGDLpvocHJQ For more about Charlotte: For more about Charlotte: Charlotte GuestFor Charlotte's YouVersion Bible Plan about Amazing Grace and Loving Aging Adults, visit here: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/26626 Charlotte GuestPodcaster & WriterCharlotteGuest.com | chargordy@cox.netListen to Empty Nest Guests – The PodcastCheck out my YouVersion Bible Plan “May the God of hope fill you with joy & peace.”Rom. 15:13

The Struggle is Real, But So Is God. Struggles are real. Thankfully, so is God. Misty Philip knows this, wrote about it, a study that is an award-winning #1 Amazon new release bible study, and shares more on this podcast. Misty is a dreamer and a doer passionate about helping spark your soul message. She encourages people to use their story to give God glory. She is the host of the By His Grace Podcast ranked in the top 1.5 percent of all podcasts. She's a Sought-after inspirational speaker and the author of the award-winning #1 Amazon New Release Bible Study, The Struggle is Real: But so is God, and the Spark Podcast Planner. Scripture promises that we will have tribulation. It also promises us that we can have hope in the very midst of what brings us down. Through a massive career upheaval, loss of loved ones, family health crises, her own two broken arms at the same time and a closed door on her calling, Misty has brought her desperation to the Lord over and over. Her story and strength will inspire you and so will her book. The Struggle Is Real, But So Is God is a 6-week journey through the Bible that will: · * Equip you with empowering wisdom. · * Help you grow spiritually by claiming God's promises as your own. * Teach you how to declare scripture over yourself to strengthen your inner being. · * Show you how to conquer challenges by activating God's Word in your life. * Experience just how real God is and know that He is right there with you in the middle of it all. The Founder of Spark Media, Misty equips Christian Communicators and podcasters through virtual and live events, podcast network, magazine, and a thriving membership community. Listen in as Charlotte and Misty encourage you about clinging to God in the midst of struggles. Scriptures shared today: “We are in this struggle together. You have seen my struggle in the past and you know I am still in the midst of it.” Phil. 1:30 “This is why we work hard and continue to struggle, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people and particularly of all believers.” 1 Tim. 4:10 Sometimes you just can't be an active participant in a struggle or struggling physically. That's why I love this scripture” “The Lord himself will fight for you. You need only to be still.” Ex. 14:14 For more about Misty: Book - By His Grace (mistyphillip.com) To order her book: click here For more about Charlotte: Charlotte Guest

Launch Stragegies and Leaving a Legacy With Marci Seither Listen in as Charlotte and Marci Seither talk about some helpful stragegies for launching children from the nest. The emptying nest and the empty nest have differences. Marci shares valuable insight about a few things that caught her off guard when her own children began to move away. Stress within the nest is a natural process for growing strong. Marci's suggestions for coping are helpful. She encourages us to begin to prepare early so the transition to an empty nest doesn't feel so abrupt. This time of life can be a wonderful time to stretch your own wings as your children fly. Marci's also an advocate of leaving a legacy that matters to those you love during the launching years. Marci's an author, speaker, wife, mom to six and loves inspiring others. She loves cooking and makes marshmellows from scratch. You can find her books on Amazon at the links below. To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com/ For more about Marci: About | Marci Seither Links to her books: Empty Nest: Strategies To Help Your Kids Take Flight Lakeside Retreat: Life-Giving Devotions from a Restful Shore Charlotte Guest Podcaster & Writer CharlotteGuest.com | chargordy@cox.net Listen to Empty Nest Guests – The Podcast Check out my YouVersion Bible Plan “May the God of hope fill you with joy & peace.” Rom. 15:13

Avoiding Divorce Court & Aging With Humor Join Charlotte and Shel Harrington, the divorce attorney who does not like divorce. Shel is a family lawyer who truly tries to help her clients avoid divorce. Both adultery and domestic abuse are serious issues that can destroy marriages but neither is the most common reason for divorce. Small behaviors add up to big marital damage. Shel says, once identified, they can be avoided. She also encourages listeners to “Pray, Play and Stay.” Loving, honoring and enjoying yourspouse is biblical. Sometimes, we forget to “enjoy”. Shel shares intentional ways to have fun with your spouse. She also offers newlyweds tips for avoiding mistakes and disasters. If you have to go through with divorce, Shel shares tips to get you through itas well as strategies for helping you and others (including children). Then, in the second half of this podcast…we are gonna laugh! Fat Bottom Women Get Fierce is Shel's hilarious and fun Facebook group.Q. Do you know what a “Dryjoe” is?A. It's when you forget to add the water to your coffee pot and brew a cup of air.Sometimes, we are forgetful in our encore years and slow down in more ways than one.Shel's book about “quinbloits” will have you in stitches. (We'll tell you what these are when you tune in.) To reach Shel Harrington: Front Page - Shel Harrington Click hereTo reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com/

My Husband Is Retiring…What Next? Join Charlotte and Jim Burns, President of HomeWord and best-selling author and speaker as they discuss how couples can look at retirement as a rite of passage, something to be celebrated and not feared. Many find the retirement season difficult in the empty nesting years. Couples now must adjust to a new routine as well as doing life with adult children. Retirement is a time to reconnect, reinvent and reboot your life, marriage and your future. It's NOT a time to stay in a rut or park yourself in a recliner. Listen in and learn how to prevent a “gray divorce” - a common occurrence in couples over the age of 50. Jim also shares wonderful insight from two of his books: Have Serious Fun and 12 Other Principles to Make Your Life Count. & Finding Joy in the Empty Nest: Discover Purpose and Passion in the Next Phase of Life The “what next?” years can be full of your best years yet! To reach Jim at HomeWord: Contact Us | HomeWord To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest Charlotte Guest Podcaster & Writer CharlotteGuest.com | chargordy@cox.net Listen to Empty Nest Guests – The Podcast Check out my YouVersion Bible Plan “May the God of hope fill you with joy & peace.” Rom. 15:13

Affair Repair – How God Used the Other Woman How God Used the Other Woman by Tina Konkin is an incredible book that shares how Tina and her husband Ron saved their marriage after his affair and fought to make it better than before. When Tina Konkin, renowned marriage expert and speaker finds out her husband Ron, a speaker and marriage expert in his own right, is having an affair with her close friend, God transforms this disaster into one of His promises that what was intended for evil He would turn to good. After a spouse has been unfaithful, salvaging the relationship may seem inconceivable. Marital infidelity sparks pain and chaos that is difficult to navigate. But there IS hope for recovery and redemption. Join Charlotte and author Tina Konkin on this podcast. Tina shares her story, and how God transformed the brokenness of an affair into a redeemed marriage. You can find grace and strength to forgive too. There IS joy on the other side and you can emerge from this crisis and seek restoration together. Listen in and learn three powerful healing principles that encourage rebuilding your marriage in a lasting way. Not only can your marriage survive; it can thrive! Tina's courage and perseverance blesses so many. Her true story of faith, love and in light of overwhelming odds is inspiring. To reach Tina: Contact | Tina Konkin To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest Charlotte Guest Podcaster & Writer CharlotteGuest.com | chargordy@cox.net Listen to Empty Nest Guests – The Podcast Check out my YouVersion Bible Plan “May the God of hope fill you with joy & peace.” Rom. 15:13

Stepping Out of Brokenness Into Purpose with Lisa Bain Join Charlotte and Lisa Bain, from Lisa Bain Ministries. as they talk about fact that breakthroughs can come from being broken. Lisa Bain is an author and speaker who shares about illness, loss and her journey through broken relationships. She is the founder of Lisa Bain Ministries, a non-profit organization that provides encouragement, support, and practical tools for those in broken places. Lisa writes regularly on her blog and hosts Treasure Talks, a vlog featuring interviews with heroes who are making a difference in the community. Charlotte and Lisa discuss stepping out of our boxes of fear and doubt and stepping into the amazing treasures God has waiting for us. They believe you can emerge from hardships to find purpose and freedom. Lisa was born in Nashville, Tennessee, and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She graduated from Oral Roberts University with a degree in Social Work. She shares with honesty and authenticity. When her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer and Lisa was diagnosed with a debilitating autoimmune disease in the same week. She was determined to find joy in the midst of her difficult circumstances. Lisa has written three books, Joy in the Journey: Finding Laughter and Miracles in Very Dark Places, Life Outside the Box, and It's Better Out Here, Stepping out of Brokenness into Purpose. Lisa and Charlotte are passionate about animal therapy. Both volunteer with their therapy dogs to help spread love and light to those who are hurting. Lisa especially enjoys visiting with her dogs at cancer treatment centers, hospitals, senior living facilities and hospice care centers. Charlotte serves at a few places in Tulsa including The Little Light House and the Salvation Army. Both Charlotte and Lisa are members of The Alliance of Therapy Dogs. Therapy Dog | Therapy Dog Organizations (therapydogs.com) You are never to broken to experience the breakthrough that can change the course of your life. Tune in today and be encouraged. For more about Lisa: About Lisa – Lisa Bain To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com/ Charlotte Guest Podcaster & Writer CharlotteGuest.com | chargordy@cox.net Listen to Empty Nest Guests – The Podcast Check out my YouVersion Bible Plan “May the God of hope fill you with joy & peace.” Rom. 15:13

Are You Struggling With A Difficult Mother-Daughter Relationship? Join Charlotte as she visits with Dr. Helen McIntosh and Daughter Blythe Daniel, authors of Mended – Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters. (This wonderful book is endorsed by Lysa TerKeust, Stasi Eldredge and other best-selling authors.) Relationships between mothers and daughters can be messy and hurtful. In their book, Helen and Blythe share how they've built, guarded and renewed a relationship centered around respecting and listening first…then talking. In this podcast, Charlotte, Helen and Blythe will walk you through the steps to restoring what's between you and include conversation starters that are welcoming. They also share how to experience freedom when you aren't able to mend or reconcile. Listen in and learn how to: *Choose the relationship above your difference of opinion *Focus on not changing or controlling the other person *Recognize and remove behaviors that have carried over from generations * Confront hurts today – not digging through the mess of yesterday * Cope when reconciliation is not possible * Experience healing when your mother or daughter is no longer in your life and more. For more information about Mended – Restoring the Hearts of Mothers & Daughters & to buy the book: Mended - Restoring the Hearts of Mothers and Daughters (ourmendedhearts.com) To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest

“Help…I need my husband to lead us.” With George Stahnke from Focus on the Family. If you find yourself saying or even thinking this, this podcast is for you. Empty nesting can be hard on both women and men. As some men question their purpose at this stage in life, they often turn inward and shut down emotionally. Others dive into work or a hobby instead of putting energy into leading a much smaller nest and loving others well. Join Charlotte and George Stahnke from Focus on the Family as they have an authentic conversation about this common occurrence in these encore years. George offers an insightful male perspective and some meaningful tips about how to encourage your husband to love and lead you well. It's also equally important for us to love well. You are not alone and help is here. Tune in and be blessed. To reach George at Focus on the Family: Kaylee.Heck@fotf.org For countless resources from Focus on the Family: Home - Focus on the Family To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest

Mothers-in-Law vs Daughters-in-Law – Let There Be Peace The conflict between a mother-in-law and her daughter-in-law has existed throughout all of history. Now, thousands of years later, after Rebekah's story from the Bible, many continue to complain about in-laws, often even hoping they won't ever come visit. Mothers-in-Law vs. Daughters-in-Law examines this in-law conflict and aims to draw readers into a different perspective: that women will learn to recognize their in-laws as a beneficial relationship—a gift—to and for the entire family. Join Charlotte and author Janice Mathers as they discuss how to have peace with in-laws. A mother-in-law can have a special and close bond with her daughter-in-law. This podcast offers sound biblical wisdom, clever insights and shares how to do just that. ‘ To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest To reach Janice: janice mayo mathers - Home To buy Janice's book: Amazon.com: Mothers-in-Law vs. Daughters-in-Law: Let There Be Peace eBook : Graham, Elisabeth: Kindle Store

A 9/11 Widow's Journey – With Jennifer Sands Jennifer's nest become tragically empty on 9/11 when she lost her husband, best friend, scuba diving partner and love of her life. Jim died as the World Trade Center Towers fell. For a long time after 9/11, Jennifer looked at God through the eyes of anger and contempt. Through a series of events, her anger was downgraded to disappointment, then it changed to curiosity. Eventually Jennifer looked at God thru the eyes of acceptance and trust. Now, she shares of her love and trust in Him. She gazes at Him through the eyes of reverence, love, adoration and gratitude. Today, Jennifer encourages widows and others. She is thankful for God, who brought her blessings from brokenness. When she made a commemorative scuba dive in Jim's honor, and underwater memorial dive, the Holy Spirit spoke to her and she gave her life to Christ. Jennifer often shares Gen. 50:20. What Joseph said to his Israelite brothers, she now says to the 9/11 terrorists: “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good, in order to bring about His present result, the saving of many lives.” Tune in and be encouraged! To reach Jennifer: Jennifer Sands To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest

Doing Life With Your Adult Children With Best-selling Author Jim Burns Tune in and hear best-selling author Jim Burns and Charlotte talk about practical advice and hopeful encouragement for the tough, yet rewarding transition of parenting grown kids. Jim is President of HomeWord. He speaks to thousands of people around the world each year. He has close to 2 million resources in print in 20 languages. If you have an adult child, you know that parenting doesn't stop when your child turns 18. In many ways, it gets more complicated, involving your head…and your heart. Whether your child lives under your roof, or rarely stays in contact, this podcast is for you. Jim offers insight to help you navigate this season of parenting. Speaking from his own personal and professional experience, Jim answers several questions on this podcast including: How can offering unsolicited advice to my adult child backfire? What does the term “emerging adult” mean? How is this different from other generations? What do I do when my child is violating my values? What about cohabitation? We have differing political views. What do I do? My child has strayed from faith. How can I help them come back to God? How can grandparents influence grandchildren? How can we leave the best legacy? Charlotte and Jim look forward to sharing this time with you. To reach Jim: Contact Us | HomeWord To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

Empty Nesting In Adversity When trials come, they often drive us to our knees in search of answers and comfort. Join Charlotte and Shannon Wilburn as they talk about empty nesting in adversity. Shannon is the co-founder of the global franchise Just Between Friends. She's also a wife to Mitch Wilburn, a pastor in Tulsa, OK who miraculously survived 45 days in the hospital, near death with Covid. When Shannon's father went from oil company CFO to being disabled, wheel-chair bound and unemployed, 12 year old Shannon began to learn how to relay on faith and fortitude. That same faith and reliance on God has helped Shannon through many adversities including Mitch's health trials, her own season of temporary hair loss and more. Listen in to hear more. As we empty nest, we must fight to keep not just a positive attitude but also a Christ-centered one. Often we must step out in faith and cling to God for help. Can we have joy and hope in trials? Shannon and Charlotte both say “Yes!” and share how. God promises in 2 Corinthians 1: 3-5 that not only does He comfort us during difficulties… He equips us through our own suffering to be able to minister to others. Tune in and be inspired as we talk about empty nesting in adversity. To reach Shannon: mwilburna@aol.com To reach Charlotte https://charlotteguest.com

Is it Alzheimer's, Dementia or Memory Loss? Alzheimer's disease is the most well-known and common form of dementia but not everyone with dementia has Alzheimer's disease. And, just because you are forgetful, during these empty nesting years, doesn't mean the worst. Charlotte and Erin Powell, from the Alzheimer's Association, discuss this topic on today's podcast. Learn the top warning signs, how these conditions and diagnoses affect empty nesters and elders. Learn about valuable resources to help you care for a loved one and more! Caring for loved ones with any form of dementia requires a team effort. You are not alone. To reach Erin: 'Erin Powell' epowell@alz.org To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com Virtual Alzheimer's and dementia education events are available - check www.alz.org/crf for details on meetings and events. The Alzheimer's Association is available 24/7 for around-the-clock care and support at 800.272.3900 and alz.org.

Sleep, Wellness and Balanced Empty Nesting Health Are you sleeping well? How is your energy level each day? Do you experience brain fog? You are NOT alone. Join Charlotte and Jane Wenning, a Certified Medical Technologist, Certified Athletic Trainer and Health Coach who has been helping women improve their mental and physical health for over 20 years. During high school and college, Jane was overweight, struggled with eating disorders, had low self-esteem and experienced brain fog. After having two unhealthy but successful pregnancies, she struggled with postpartum depression and knew she had to make health changes…and she did! Jane researched and studied nutrition, brain health, longevity, sleep, emotional intelligence, interval training, fasting and epigenetics and estrogenics. Now, she equips business professionals and people with the tools to become leaner, stronger, healthier and creates changes that last beyond retirement. Charlotte and Jane talk about sleep and how Jane learned to adjust her lifestyle and schedule to allow for proper restorative sleep. They also discuss Jane's favorite “four pillars” of wellness: · Recovery · Emotional Energy · Nutrition · Movement Tune in and take charge of your health today! Learn more about Jane Wenning on Instagram and at: https://4-pillars-health.mykajabi.com/ To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com/

Empty Nesting and Friendship. Friendships are such a gift. They also are important to well-being. Listen and learn the value of making and nurturing friendships with the best friend – God, yourself and others. Learn the difference between loneliness and solitude. Charlotte and Michelle Van Loon author of Becoming Sage, Cultivating Maturity, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife, published by Moody Publishers, discuss the many facets of friendship in the encore years. Then, Charlotte talks with the founders of Balcony Women, – a company formed to lift up, support and love the precious women in our communities. Learn from them how to be friends with others as God desires. To reach Michelle: https://michellevanloon.com/ To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com Melissa Phenice & Shae Hedrick) To reach Balcony Women: https://balconywomen.com/

Parenting A Prodigal & Hope For The Journey With Joannie DeBrito – Director of Parenting at Focus on the Family Loving a prodigal can be a long, lonely, misunderstood, and often desperate road. Will a phone call come from jail or the hospital? Living with fear, worry, anger, and self-recrimination wears you down. Words of love and words of threats can co-exist. You search for help yet feel shame. "How long, Lord?" is your heart's cry. Joannie DeBrito, from Focus on the Family, and Charlotte talk about the hardship of parenting prodigals. They offer helpful words of wisdom and reminders that, with God, all things are possible. May this podcast help sustain you, offer grace, hope, and strength, and a reminder that God will get you through this valley. Joannie DeBrito PH.D., LCSW, LMFT is the current Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family. DeBrito draws from over 30 years of diverse experience as a parent educator, family life educator, school social worker, administrator, and licensed mental health professional. To reach Joannie: Savannah.Light@fotf.org To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com For helpful articles by Joannie: https://www.focusonthefamily.com/contributors/joannie-debrito-ph-d-lcsw-lmft-2/

The Empty Nest Guest Podcast With Michelle Van Loon author of Becoming Sage, Cultivating Maturity, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife, published by Moody Publishers. On this episode, Charlotte talks with Michelle Van Loon, author of Becoming Sage, Cultivating Maturity, Purpose, and Spirituality in Midlife, published by Moody Publishers. In Chapter 8 of her book, Michelle shares her own journey through the valley of depression. (Charlotte's been there too as she experienced post-partum depression years ago.) Most empty-nesters experience bouts of the blues. How do you know where mid-life malaise ends and depression begins? Michelle also shares about spiritual apathy, also known as acedia. Sometimes our soul is weary as we empty nest. Thankfully, God is at work through our emotions. In Him and with Him, There is hope! Listen in and learn more. You'll be glad you did. For an emergency, dial 911 The National Suicide Prevention Line – 1-800-273-8255 Focus on the Family's helpline: tel://1-855-771-4357/ The Hope Line – https://www.thehopeline.com (Recommended by Focus on the Family) National Alliance for Mental Illness (nami.org), To reach Michelle: https://michellevanloon.com/ To reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

Welcome Empty Nesters! We are glad you are tuning in. Charlotte and Joannie DeBrito, Director of Parenting and Youth at Focus on the Family, discuss Parenting Emerging Adults: Boundaries and Limits & Parenting and Prodigals. We are seeing a cultural shift, partly due to Covid and as a sign of the times, in how parents relate with their older children. What kind of boundaries and limits do we need to offer grace and space? Joannie also shares advice and encouragement for parents of prodigals. Listen and learn wonderful tips from Joannie and valuable resources from Focus on the Family. To reach Joannie at Focus on the Family: Joannie.DeBrito@fotf.org Click here: www.charlotteguest.com to learn more about Charlotte and how to reach her. Please write a review and share your ideas about what you'd like to hear on the podcast. She'd love to hear from you! Stay healthy and hopeful!

Welcome back, Empty Nesters! Today we begin Season 2 and you are in for a treat! Best-selling author of Empty Nest, Full Life - Jill Savage - and Charlotte talk about the balance of letting go & holding on. Are you caught between grief and delight? Empty nesting can be disorienting. The good news is that your encore years can be FULL of purpose and passion. Jill shares wisdom, encouragement & ideas from her own life experiences. Tune in and be inspired. To reach Jill, go to www.jillsavage.org Click here: https://charlotteguest.com to reach Charlotte.

Go to https://charlotteguest.com/about/ more about Charlotte and to reach her regarding this podcast.What legacy would you like to leave your children? If you died today, would your voice still be guiding your children? Have you said everything that needs to be said to your children? Is it written down? This podcast will help you learn more about writing a Legacy Letter. You can leave a written, treasured legacy that will last forever. Join me, Stephen, producer of Empty Nest Guests, Charlotte and Blake Brewer, Founder of The Legacy Letter Challenge as we talk about leaving your children a written, cherished legacy letter. To reach Blake go to https://www.legacyletterchallenge.com/emptynesters

Join best-selling author, Stasi Eldredge from Wild at Heart ministries and Charlotte as they discuss Spiritual Warfare. Rejection, addiction, fear, and tiny voices that condemn…there IS a cosmic war and we are the battlefield. We bump into this warfare every day. Sadly, so many don't recognize this or know how to combat it. This podcast exposes what warfare is and will help you learn to battle against it. It's time to fight! You can learn more about Wild at Heart at https://wildatheart.org/ Click here: www.charlotteguest.com to learn more about Charlotte and how to reach her. Please write a review and share your ideas about what you'd like to hear on the podcast. She'd love to hear from you! Stay healthy and hopeful!