Empty Nest Guests

Listen in as Charlotte welcomes guests Heather Creekmore and Doris Swift. Heather and Doris are authors, speakers, podcast hosts and more. And they are aging gratefully with us! Heather wrote Aging Gratefully, Compared to Who? and The Comparison Free Life. Doris wrote Surrender the Joy Stealers. All books are available on Amazon. Friends, these books are so helpful, and we need them. In this podcast episode, we talk about struggles many women face but rarely speak about openly: body image, midlife, how to age gratefully and what comes to steal our joy as we juggle so much in our encore years. Heather shares a bit about her own journey, one that many of us women have struggled with - years of dieting, disordered eating, and the belief that changing our body would finally bring happiness. Marriage and motherhood don’t resolve these struggles. For Heather, a message about modern-day idolatry led to a powerful awakening in her heart. Charlotte and Doris have their own body image journeys and share from the heart as well. Cultural messages fuel our obsession with appearance, how comparison robs us of our joy, and why true freedom comes from understanding our God-given identity—not from pursuing the latest health trend or fitting into a certain pair of jeans. Doris shares about what led her to write her power Bible study, Surrender the Joy Stealers, and how we can stand firm and stand against what threatens our joy. It’s a task that requires daily surrender and intentionality. Whether you’ve battled body image insecurities, comparison in any area of your life, or the pressures of aging in a looks-obsessed world, this honest and hope-filled conversation will inspire you to pursue joy, purpose, and your fierce calling right where you are. Speaking of Fierce Calling, that is the name of Doris’s podcast. Heather’s is called Compared to Who? You’ll want to tune in to both. Get ready for truths, laughter, encouragement, and the reminder that you are so much more than a number on a scale, a face in the mirror or a person juggling much in the empty nest. Together, and with Christ at the center of it all, we can have a full and joy-filled life. To reach Heather Creekmore, click here. To purchase her books, click below: Aging Gratefully Compared to Who? The Burden of Better To reach Doris Swift, click here: To purchase Doris’s book, click below: Surrender the Joy Stealers To reach Charlotte, click here. To subscribe to Charlotte’s Bible Plan, Living Fully in the Empty Nest, click here.

Your life has been divinely designed by your Creator - a unique and beautiful blueprint. Yet, sometimes, we lose sight of our calling.In this conversation, Charlotte and Julie talk about the impact of a transformative journey of self-discovery. Designed specifically for women seeking clarity in their calling, Julie has developed a beautifully crafted workbook, rooted in scripture, and filled with practical exercises to help you uncover the rich tapestry God has for your life.Join us as we discuss how you can uncover:The specific words that energize your heartThe shaping power of your experiences and story-timelineYour God-given skills, temperament, interests, and passionsYour spiritual giftsHow your current responsibilities align with your designYour personalized Divine Design summary will keep you focused and faithful in this phase of life. Julie also shares how we can partner with God as He reveals the intricate, purposeful design He has placed on your life.You have a particular purpose even in the empty nest. God the Father has been developing and preparing you to steward your gifts well, to overcome limiting beliefs and to fully live with confidence and joy in your encore years.Whether you're in a season of transition, seeking direction, or longing to grow deeper in your calling, your Divine Design will guide you to understand who God created you to be and what innately energizes your heart. This clarity empowers you to embrace your true identity in Christ and boldly step into the life He designed.Now is a wonderful time to steward your unique gifts to bless others, shine His light, and make a meaningful impact for His glory.To reach Julie: https://Milestonecoachingok.comTo reach Charlotte:https://charlotteguest.com

Let’s be UnoffendableWith Author Brant HansenDo you find yourself getting offended easily with adult children, parents and in your empty nest relationships?Less anger and more gratitude makes for a full and joy-filled life. Being offendable is a choice. Yet it doesn’t feel that way sometimes. Anger often hinders constructive action.Unoffendable gives us a concrete, practical way to live life with less stress in our easily offended, cancel-culture society. It’s never too late to learn how to replace perpetual frustration and anger with refreshing humility and gratitude.Giving up our "right" to be offended can be one of the most freeing, healthy, simplifying, relaxing, refreshing, stress-relieving, encouraging things we can do. It's a radical, provocative idea: We're not entitled to get offended or stay angry. The idea of our own "righteous anger" and is a problem in our societies today.Listen in as Charlotte and Brant discuss that relinquishing the right to be offended can be liberating. Brant’s book, Unoffendable, offers concrete suggestions to view frustrating moments and opportunities for personal growth.But…what if Christians were the most unoffendable people on the planet?In this conversation, you will find concrete, practical ways to live life with less stress, including:Adjusting your expectations to fit human natureReplacing perpetual anger with refreshing humility and gratitudeEmbracing forgiveness and beginning to love others in unexpected waysNewly revised with two brand-new chapters on forgiveness and what Hansen has learned since writing his original book, his updated edition of the bestselling book is a must-read for every Christian. With short chapters, this book is easy to slip into a daily routine or commute to spend time deepening in God’s Word.In a humorous and conversational style, Unoffendable seeks to lift religious burdens from our backs and allow us to experience the joy of gratitude every single day of our lives—flourishing the way God intended.A mindset of forgiveness can be adopted, in the empty nest, and at any age. Let’s be unoffendable and adopt a mindset that prioritizes forgiveness and understanding over anger.What the Bible says about being offended:Proverbs 12:16 - "Fools show their annoyance at once, but the prudent overlook an insult.Proverbs 19:11 - "A person's wisdom yields patience; it is to one's glory to overlook an offense."Matthew 5:38-39 - "You have heard that it was said, 'Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.' But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also."Matthew 18:21-22 - "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times."Colossians 3:13 - "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."1 Peter 4:8 - "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."To purchase Unoffendable: Click hereTo reach Charlotte: https://charlotteguest.com

Empty Nesting – Surrendered and SeenWith Mary DeMuth As we empty nest, it’s often hard to live a surrendered life and to feel seen. Author, artist, agent, podcaster, speaker, shepherd, and encourager Mary DeMuth sheds some light on these commonalities of those living in the encore season of life. She has words of wisdom as well for those healing from past trauma and shares how to live a re-storied life as a follower of Christ.On this podcast, Charlotte and Mary talk about what living a surrendered life looks like as well as what it is like to feel overlooked. In her latest book, The Freedom of Surrender, Mary helps readers remember: God is in control, even when we are scattered and distressed.There is joy and freedom when we let go of what we tightly grip.God desires to flourish you.Freedom is possible through prayer. You are not alone in your struggles.Now is the time to seize a surrendered life. The more you relinquish your grip, the more peace floods in. Jesus promises us that he will bear our burdens in such a way that they will become light and that He sees us. Relief comes through the power of surrender and remembering that He has His eyes on us, every day. To reach Mary: Mary DeMuth Literary To order The Freedom of Surrender: The Freedom of Surrender To receive 12 free screensavers from The Freedom of Surrender: marydemuth.com/surrender To reach Charlotte: Charlotte Guest Podcast produced by: myronpatrickproductions@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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