Episode Transcript
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Hi. Welcome to the Soul Journey
podcast. I'm glad you are here.
This podcast will take. You on a journey, my soul
journey from a life of chaos and.
Despair to A. Faith filled.
Life I love. Each episode is infused with
Christian songs, scripture, prayers and personal stories.
(00:32):
My hope. Is that this?
Podcast will inspire you, encourage you, but most
importantly it will point you tothe one who can truly help and
guide you. I believe.
You were meant to be. Here.
(00:53):
Hello and welcome. To.
The Soul Journey podcast, where we explore the depths of
spirituality. Faith.
And personal growth. I'm Sheri Lynn Your.
Host. And I'm glad.
You are here. Before we get into the.
Episode. Let us.
Begin. By centering ourselves, so no
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matter where you are, try to be present for the next.
Couple of minutes. While you're listening to this
podcast, so. First thing I want you to.
Do is let your shoulders drop. Unclench.
Your jaw release. The tension between.
Your eyebrows and relax your fist.
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Take a deep breath into your belly and exhale.
Even. Turn up the corners.
Of your mouth. Feel so good to smile.
If you have any essential. Oils.
This would be a great time to rub them.
In between your palms and then give them a big inhale.
Essential oils are a great. Way to enhance.
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Our prayer time. Today I'm using a Young Living
oil. Called abundance now.
That we have centered ourselves.Let's do a prayer from the
beautiful book Breathless Prayer.
And you can find the link to this book in the show notes on
our inhale. We're going to say you do not
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give a spirit of fear. On the exhale.
Lot of power. And love and self-control.
As suggested, let's do this 4. Times inhale You do not.
Give a spirit of fear exhale, but of power.
And love and self-control Inhaleyou do not.
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Give a spirit of fear exhale, but of power and love.
And self-control inhale. You do not.
Give a spirit of fear exhale, but of power.
And love and self-control. Last time, big inhale you do
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not. Give a spirit of fear exhale but
of. Power and love and self-control.
Breathe deep and know God can. Help you replace fear with
power. Love and selfcontrol as you turn
to him and. Trust him with your life.
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The episode passage that I choseis.
Second Timothy 1. Seven For God gave us a spirit
not of fear, but of power and love and selfcontrol.
So this is. Episode 29.
And we are going to. Be exploring life's transitions
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and transformations today, so today's episode is actually
titled. Empty nesting, reinventing
oneself. Now hang in there with me.
I know we just. Talked about the spirit of fear
so that that is purposeful, you'll see.
So in this episode I delve into.The.
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Experience of parents facing thedeparture of their children from
their home. See, I told you, that's fearful.
Well, anyways. We'll discuss.
Ways to navigate. This transition find new.
Purpose and meaning. And draw inspiration from
biblical references on parenting.
Additionally, we'll incorporate the insightful.
Lyrics from. Lauren Daigle's.
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Empowering new song. Thank God I do and for.
The first. Time in Soul Journey.
Podcast history. A non Christian song and it's
by. Fleetwood Mac called.
Landslide IF. You've heard that song.
You know it's the perfect song for this episode, but.
I I I want. To talk about.
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Empty nesting. And I want to talk a little.
Bit about some people are excited about.
It and they, you know. From the day their kids like 5
years old, I think they're like,oh, when you're 18, you're going
to be leaving. Home.
And I'm going to have freedom. And they've always been excited.
I know people like that. Do you?
Maybe that's you. And that's great.
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That's it's all good. And then there's.
Other people. Like myself.
Who sort of dread the fact that your child will be.
Leaving home, they won't be there every minute.
It's hard empty. Nesting is a.
Totally different experience for.
Everyone and you. Will come across people that
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feel lots of different ways. So before.
We get into the episode. I want to.
Share my personal story with youSo some of this.
You already know if you've listening.
To other episodes, but it's my podcast, so I'm just going to
share it again. Sorry.
But the past few years of my. Life have been filled with.
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Immense challenges, particularlyas I empty.
Started the empty. Nesting phase, I retired.
From my 31 year teaching. Career sold Our house in
Virginia. And I had lived in Virginia for
40. Years I moved.
To a new state. It was a difficult decision.
Leaving my kids behind my. Friends, everything.
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That was familiar. Of course I want to clarify
that. My children are independent and
have their. Own successful lives.
So when I? Say I left them in Virginia, I
mean. That we physically moved to a
new location, but they're fine. I didn't.
Just like up and leave them turnthe midst of the pandemic, my
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husband and I embarked on the ambitious.
Task of. Designing and building our dream
home. Complete with a pool.
It was an undertaking that. Tested our.
Patience and resilience. Shortly after moving into our
new home. Our family faced A traumatic
event that deeply affected everyone involved.
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It felt as though. Life had thrown one challenge.
After another at us. And the weight of it all began
to take a toll on me emotionally.
A wave. Of overwhelming sadness.
Washed over me, I found myself. Questioning the purpose and.
Direction of my life. Was this it?
Was this the end? Had I accomplished everything?
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I was meant to do in my life I felt lost and clueless about.
What the future held? The feeling of.
Deep depression started to set. In.
But as fate would have it. During this challenging.
Time I discovered the transformative power of
podcasts. Now I love listening to my.
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Podcast especially. When I'm out.
Mowing for the day. Well I came across Doctor Edie
which we talked about an earlierpodcast, but she has a faith
filled podcast and it just. Resonated with me on a profound
level. Driven by a desire to.
Regain a sense. Of purpose and joy I.
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Eagerly enrolled in the class. That she was offering it was
only $7.00 like a. Cup of coffee and this class
ended up being a life. Altering decision.
The course. Opened my eyes to A.
World of self discovery and personal growth.
It became clear to me. That there was.
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So much life. Left to live and I was
determined to embrace. Every minute of it.
I took a deep leap of faith and joined life.
Mentoring. School Immersing myself in a
community. Of likeminded individuals.
Who support it? And inspired me.
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Since. Then my life has undergone A
remarkable transformation. I started this very podcast, a
project. That brings me immense joy and
fulfillment. I joined online.
Prayer groups. Zoom Book Clubs.
Expanding my circle of friends. To include people around the
United States and even around the world, these connections
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have brought me an incredible sense of belonging.
And purpose. On my. 60th birthday.
I mustered. Up the courage to take a Pilates
class. Well, from initially attending
once a week, I now find myself embracing about.
Eight classes a week. The pride I feel in taking care
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of myself is immeasurable and. As if all.
These wonderful changes weren't enough.
I recently made the decision to become a certified Christian
Life coach. The journey Just.
Keeps getting better. Looking back, I'm in awe of the
resilience and. Strength I discovered.
Within myself, life's challengesand transitions, including empty
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nesting, had led me to this point of.
Profound self discovery and personal growth.
I now understand that life doesn't end.
After raising children. Or reaching a certain.
Age. There is always more to explore,
to learn. And to contribute.
I share my story with you today to inspire and encourage.
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You, no matter where you find yourself in life, remember that
there is. Always hope for a brighter
future embrace. Change seek.
Opportunities for growth. And believe in your own capacity
to reinvent. Yourself Life is a beautiful
journey of discovery. And each.
Day is an opportunity to live with purpose and passion.
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Drawing inspiration from biblical passages, we can.
Find Solace and Guidance in the Unique.
Stage of Life in the Book of Proverbs 22.
Six, it reads, Start children off.
On the way. They should go.
And even when they are old, theywill not.
Turn from it. Not good.
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This first reminds. Us that our.
Role as. Parents.
Is to impart values. Wisdom and faith.
To our children preparing. Them.
For their own. Journeys.
Another passage can be found in Ephesians. 6/4 which says.
Fathers do not. Exasperate your.
Children instead bring them up in the training and instruction
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of the Lord. This verse reminds us to
approach parenting with patience.
Understanding and a. Commitment to nurturing our
children's spiritual growth as we transition.
Into the empty nest phase, we have an.
Opportunity to rediscover ourselves and pursue new
passions. Maybe even.
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Passions we didn't. Know were there.
It's important to. Remember that our identity is
not solely defined by our. Roles as parents.
Take. This time to explore activities
and interests that bring you joy.
And fulfillment. Engage in hobbies.
Join social or community groups or even consider.
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Taking up a new. Course or career path?
Additionally seeking. Support from friends.
Family or support groups. Can be invaluable connect.
With others who are. Going through similar experience
as. Sharing stories and insights.
Can help? Alleviate, alleviate.
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Feelings of sadness. And provide a sense of
belonging. It is natural.
To feel a. Sense of loss and sadness when
your children leave home acknowledging and processing
these emotions. Is an essential part of the
healing. Process.
Remember change? Is a constant.
In life. And let's go to Fleetwood Mac
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song and listen that they eloquently sing in Landslide.
I've been. Afraid of changing?
Because I built my life. Around you, but time makes you
bolder. Even children get older and I'm
getting. Older too, I still.
Can't listen to that song without crying every time.
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These lyrics beautifully capturethe bittersweet truth of life's
transition. Embrace this change as an
opportunity for personal growth and self discovery.
Allow yourself to grieve, but also open your heart to the
possibilities that lie ahead. Lauren Daigle's powerful song.
Thank God I do. Resonates deeply with those
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navigating the emptiness phase and seeking.
Comfort in the relationship withGod.
In this song, Lauren reflects onthe ups and downs of life and
acknowledges the challenges that.
She has faced. Now I know she's not an empty.
Nester, but you'll get the point.
She sings. I've seen love come and I've
seen love walk. Away so many questions.
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Will anybody stay? It's been a hard year, so many
nights and tears. All the darkness trying.
To fight my. Fears.
And I think. That these lyrics capture the
raw emotions and struggles. We may count.
Encountered during this. Transitional phase, they remind
us that we're not alone. In our experiences of heartache.
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Loneliness and. Uncertainty, however, as the
song progresses. Lauren finds solace.
And strengthen her. Faith, she sings.
I've started breathing. The weight is lifted here with
you. It's easy.
My head is finally clear. There's nothing missing when
you. Are by my side.
I took the long road, but now I.Realize I'm home with you.
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The empowering lyrics remind us that our relationship with God
provides us with a sense of peace.
Clarity and belonging. It is through his love and
presence that we find. Comfort and guidance.
During times of transition and challenge, the chorus of the
song beautifully expresses gratitude for God's unwavering.
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Presence and the. Transformation it brings.
I don't know who I'd be if I didn't know you.
Thank. God, I do.
These lyric lyrics acknowledge the profound.
Impact that faith has on our lives providing.
Us with strength. Purpose and the ability to
navigate. Life's Transitions with
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Resilience incorporating. Thank God I do.
Into our exploration. Of empty nesting.
Serves as a reminder that even. When we face uncertainty, loss,
and the complexities of change, our faith in God can anchor us
and. Guide us forward, it is through
our. Relationship with him that we
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find comfort. Hope.
And a renewed. Sense of purpose?
The lyrics. Remind us that even in the midst
of. Change and uncertainty.
The heartache. And loneliness that can
accompany the emptiness phase. Finding solace and comfort in
our relationship with God. Can be immensely.
Empowering as we reflect on the.Challenges and joys.
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Of this transition, let us draw inspiration from the timeless
wisdom of. Second Timothy.
One through 7 here, I told you I'd.
Fit this in. For God gave us a spirit not of
fear, but of power and love and selfcontrol.
These powerful words remind us. That the.
Fear and uncertainty we may. Experience can be replaced by
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divine power, love, and selfcontrol.
Through faith and trust in God, we can navigate the emptiness
phase with a renewed sense of. Strength and purpose embracing
the spirit. Within us, we can face the
unknown with. Courage, radiant love to our.
Children. As they embark on.
Their own journeys. And exercise Selfcontrol as we.
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Invent, reinvent ourselves. And explore new paths.
I think sometimes the selfcontrol is not calling my
kids every day. Anyways, in God's.
Unwavering love we find the comfort and strength to navigate
this transitions of life. As we.
Conclude this episode of the Soul Journey Podcast.
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I hope you found souls and inspiration in exploring the
topic of. Empty nesting.
Remember, it's a time of reinvention where you can
discover new aspects of yourself.
And embark on exciting. New journeys embrace the comfort
of God's love and. Find strength in your faith as
you navigate this transformativephase.
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Thank you for joining me today and I look.
Forward to embarking on future soulful journeys together.
Until next time, may your heart.Be filled with love your spirit.
Be uplifted. And your soul be nourished.
And now for our closing. Prayer, Father God, we come
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before you with hearts filled with gratitude for the.
Opportunity to connect and. Share in this.
Journey of life. As many of us navigate the empty
nest phase. And.
Seek to reinvent. Ourselves we ask for your.
Guidance and presence to be with.
Us every step of the way. May we find comfort in knowing
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that you. Are a constant source of
strength. And love.
Grant us the courage to embrace change.
The resilience to overcome challenges and the.
Wisdom to discover new. Purpose and meaning.
In this chapter of our lives, wepray that you fill our hearts
with hope and assurance. Reminding us that we are never
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alone. Help us to trust in your.
Divine Plan, even when faced with uncertainties and doubts,
may the. Lyrics of the.
Songs. That I shared in this episode
serve as a reminder. Of your unwavering love and the.
Transformative power of faith. Let these words.
Resonate deeply. Within our souls, bringing
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comfort inspiration. And a renewed sense of purpose.
Guide us to seek solace in our relationships with you.
Finding refuge. In your presence.
And strength in your. Faith.
Surround us with a supportive. Community that understands and.
Shares in their journey, providing encouragement,
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empathy. And a sense of belonging.
As we navigate this transformative phase, may we?
Discover the beauty of. Reinvention the joy.
Of self discovery. And the fulfillment that comes
from living. With purpose.
May we? Find the courage to step out of
our comfort zones, embrace new opportunities, and create a life
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that aligns with our true selves.
I ask for your. Blessings upon each listener.
Granting them the grace to heal from.
Any feelings of sadness, loneliness, or uncertainty?
May they find hope in the knowledge.
That their lives are far from over and that.
Every day is an opportunity. For growth, Love.
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And deep fulfillment. Ioffer this prayer with
gratitude. Knowing that you.
Hear our hearts desires and walkwith us.
On this sacred journey. Amen.
Thank you again, friends. Don't forget to subscribe to the
soul. Journey Podcast So you can.
Stay updated to any new episodes.
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Follow me on Instagram. For additional episode extras
and join the community, don't forget to check.
Out my playlist on Spotify. Called Soul Journey playlist
which includes. Today's songs as well.
As all my favorite inspiring songs, you'll be glad you did.
I appreciate your support and look forward to connecting.
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With you. Until next time, know that.
You are seen. You are known.
You are chosen. And you are enough.
I wish you blessings and. Guidance on your soul journey.
Friends. God has put this on my heart.
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If you're listening today. To this episode.
And you have not. Yet received Jesus.
Into your heart, then let me. Guide you to.
Welcome him into your life. I need you to say.
These words. Say them out loud and believe
them with all your. Heart.
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Remember, this is between you and our Lord.
Let's start by. Saying this, dear Heavenly
Father, I come before you in humility, recognizing my need
for a Savior. I pray and.
Ask Jesus to come into my heart and be Lord over my life,
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according to Romans 10/9 through10 If thou shalt confess with
thy mouth. The Lord.
Jesus and Shalt believe in thine.
Heart that God. Hath raised him from the dead.
Thou shalt be saved. I confess with my mouth.
That Jesus is. Lord, and I believe in my heart.
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That you raised. Him from the dead, I acknowledge
Jesus as my Lord and Savior, andI surrender my life to Him.
Amen. Friends, I have these words
typed out. On the show notes, if you need
to read them as you say them now, stay with me for another
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minute. For a few more thoughts and
verses to go deeper into your salvation Romans. 323.
For all have. Sinned and fall.
Short of the glory of God. I acknowledge I am a Sinner and
that I need your forgiveness. I believe that Jesus Christ,
your son, died on the. Cross for my sins as stated in
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Romans 5/8, but God demonstrateshis own love.
For us. In this.
While we are still sinners, Christ died for us.
I believe that Jesus's sacrifice.
Was enough to pay the penalty for my sins in Ephesians 28
through nine, it is written. For it is by grace you have.
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Been saved through faith, and this is not from yourselves.
It is the gift of. God not by.
Works so that. No one.
Can boast I. Understand that my salvation is
a gift from you. Not something I can earn or
achieve on my own. Friends, you can also pray,
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Lord, I ask. For your forgiveness and invite
Jesus to come into my life and be the center of my being I want
to follow. Him and live.
According to his will, please fill me with your.
Holy Spirit as. Promised in Acts. 238.
Repent and be. Baptized every.
One of you in the name. Of Jesus Christ for the
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forgiveness of your sins. And you will.
Receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
I talked about the Holy Spirit in.
Episode 24. If you need to go back and
listen to that Franz, you can thank our Heavenly Father for
the. Gift of salvation through Jesus
Christ. Commit your life to him and
trust. That he will guide you and
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transform you. From the inside out, remember
that. The prayer itself.
Is not what? Saves a person, but rather the.
Faith in Jesus. Christ and the work He
accomplished on the Cross. It is the.
Beginning of A. Personal.
Relationship with God and it is important to continue seeking
him. Studying his work.
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And growing in faith. If you said this prayer for the
first time. I would love.
For you to reach out so that I can guide.
You with? Some more resources.
Have a blessed day, friends. SMS Srikanth.