Hope For The Journey with Monica Schmelter

Are you asking yourself these questions:  Who am I now that my children are grown and gone? What’s my purpose now that my kids have left home?  What gifts and talents do I have to offer? What should my priorities be? How do I become something more than “Mom?” I don't remember at what point, but I do remember how weird it felt not to be known as " Joey's Mom " anymore. I...

This week, we’re talking to the woman over 40 who’s in a season of transition—whether it’s empty nesting, career changes, divorce recovery, or simply feeling stuck. Life may not look like what you imagined, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to grow, heal, or rediscover your purpose. Through personal stories, scripture, and quiet encouragement, we reflect on ho...

Welcome to Hope for the Journey – Your weekly Christian devotional podcast for faith, encouragement, and redemption. Designed for women over 40, this podcast shares inspiring stories of faith, perseverance, and personal transformation. Each episode features real-life comeback stories, showing how God’s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings. Whether you're fa...

If you or someone you know is stuck in addiction or abuse - you need to hear these freedom stories. Shakia and Jessie both became addicted and were abused. Today - they are free and so are their children. Freedom is God's idea and freedom is possible. #freedom #recovery #healthy Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-u...

Jessie was introduced to drugs by her parents. She started using meth at a young age and ended up in a life of addiction and abuse. Her addiction became so bad they she lost custody of her daughter. Jessie has an amazing story of restoration with her daughter - and the life of freedom they are all living now. #addiction # abuse #freedom Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire...

I invited Rob Decker to join me in this conversation because it’s a reminder that even in our darkest moments, God’s presence and love shelter and protect us. Rob struggled with rejection, drug and alcohol abuse, and a myriad of other challenges. But in his darkest moments God found him and restored his life. Now Rob is a husband, father, recovery coach and serves in many other capacit...

If you’re struggling with depression or your mental health, this Bridges episode is just for you. Kenza Haddock, licensed counselor merges mental health counsel with spiritual warfare, Monica and Kenza’s conversation will guide you through practical strategies to overcome the devil's schemes, tame the desires of the flesh, and navigate the challenges posed by the world. This Bridges ep...

Discover how setting limits will set your free. Boundaries will give you the room to establish priorities and enjoy your life. No is a complete sentence and requires NO explanation.  Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

If you're in a season of hardship this Bridges episode is just for you. It may be a betrayal, job stress, or financial woe.... hardships come in all shapes and sizes but today we will look at ways to cope and move forward in even the toughest of circumstances. Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

This story starts with a 15-year girl getting pregnant after a sexual assault. Between this 15-year-old girl's courage and her mother's wisdom an incredible miracle emerges. Today on Bridges Jason Lovins shares how his mother's brave choice gave him life and continues to transform lives. #brave #choice #life Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunit...

Sometimes in order to change your life you need to leave a few things behind. Today on Bridges Monica and Adonis discuss how to make changes and determine what exactly you need to leave behind. #change #moveforward #healthychanges Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Grief is painful and suddenly widowed Lana Bach knows that story all too well. Today on Bridges Lana shares her story and how God to trust Him in a greater way - and find purpose in her pain. #grief #widow #purpose Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Emotions are an important part of our relationships. Today we look at anxiety and how it affects us and how to work through anxiety in a healthy way. #healthy #emotions #anger Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Transforming your marriage may be easier than you think. Today's Bridges episode will help you identify if you are holding on the past hurts/baggage and how to let go. As you let go you are free to pursue connection with your spouse and have the marriage you've always dreamed about.  Love, marriage, forgiveness Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising op...

Nicole C. Mullen has long been known as an undeniably talented and award-winning artist. Today, on Bridges Nicole shares that she’s familiar with broken relationships. She can relate to those who have gone through abuse, betrayal and heartache. She learned to forgive and came out of her “night season” stronger than ever. If you’ve ever wondered if your story can be redeemed...

She held a secret for over 10 years? That secret - abuse. There came a time that Brooke felt she needed to share the secret and forgive her abuser. This is a powerful story of forgiveness, transformation, and finding your voice after trauma. #trauma #abuse #forgive Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Labels, Lies, and the Truth In a world full of assumptions, it’s easy to fall for labels. But remember, a label doesn’t define the whole story. People, ideas, and experiences are far more complex than what we see on the surface. Today Erica Wiggenhorn joins Monica to talk about trading labels for the truth about your value. Labels often come with negativity, biases, judgment, and misun...

We've all heard about church scandals and crisis. How do we best respond when the church is facing a crisis or controversary? Phil Cooke walks us through steps we can take to handle the situation with grace and honesty. #Phil Cooke #churchcrisis #churchontrial Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us .

Mary's story includes abuse, drugs and prison. Then one day Mary had an encounter with God. In that moment she knew she had to turn herself in and that she would go to prison - again. But this time it was different - she knew God was with her. One of her first jobs in prison was working in the kitchen. Then she had the opportunity to work with computers in prison. While she was in prison, she lear...

Too Busy is the number one reason people say they don't read the Bible. Research shows that if you'll read the Bible 4 times a week you'll make better choices and positive changes in your life. Kathleen Cooke joins Monica to talk about a 4 day a week schedule that will revitalize your life and give you hope for today.   Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about adver...

Victoria Robinson says when it comes to abortion they lied to us. She says abortion was pushed as an easy way to solve an unplanned pregnancy with no ramifications but actually the impact of abortion can last for years for both women and men. Today Victoria talks with Monica about ways for post abortive women and men to find healing and wholeness after abortion. #healing #trauma #abortion #Romans8...

With Dr. Michelle Bengston  Life’s scars tell a story—a story of struggles, growth, and ultimately, hope. Just as Jesus bears the scars from His sacrifice, our own scars can point us towards something greater. Here’s how:  Testimony of Overcoming : Each scar represents a battle fought and overcome, reflecting the strength and grace that Jesus provides us in our struggles.  Source of Comfort : Jesu...

Merry Christmas. We know that you are all so busy with the holidays but take a moment to join us today as Maritza Barron and Monica talk about special Christmas traditions - and what makes this the most wonderful time of the year. #MerryChristmas #traditions #baking #holidays   Isaiah 9:6 Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com...

Finding Unexpected Shelter in Your Crisis When the storm rages and life feels uncertain, remember that we have a refuge — a place of peace and protection in God. Join Monica and Lynn Rienstra as they talk about finding shelter in God during life's storms. In times of crisis, His love is a constant, His strength unshakable. When we feel weak or lost, He is our shelter, our safe haven, offering comf...

Friends & Community: Our Greatest Support System In a world that can sometimes feel overwhelming, friends and community are the lifelines that keep us grounded. Whether it's a heart-to-heart talk, a laugh shared over coffee, or just knowing someone has your back, the bonds we build with others are priceless. Friends remind us that we’re never alone in our struggles or successes. They lift us u...