Hope For The Journey with Monica Schmelter

What if the struggle you’ve been fighting isn’t just about food, your weight, or your habits—but something deeper that needs healing?

For many women over 40, the things they’ve pushed down for years start to surface, and the weight they’ve been carrying begins to feel heavier. Maybe you’ve tried every diet, promised yourself you’d do better, or wondered why you keep falling back into the same patterns. What if the question isn’t “What’s wrong with me?” but “What happened to me?”

In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter sits down with Diana LaCerte, host and executive producer of SoulFit, TV, trauma-informed coach, author, and speaker, to talk about the deeper story behind emotional eating, body image struggles, and the habits that keep so many women feeling stuck.

Drawing on more than 20 years of experience helping women find lasting transformation, Diana introduces the idea of the “weight beneath the weight”—the emotional, spiritual, and relational burdens that can show up in our physical health and everyday choices.

Together, Monica and Diana explore why stress can send us reaching for comfort food, how perimenopause and menopause can change the way we cope, and why old wounds and childhood experiences sometimes show up in unexpected ways during midlife. They also talk about perfectionism, people-pleasing, and the exhausting cycle of trying harder while wondering why lasting change feels so difficult.

But this conversation isn’t about shame, blame, or one more thing you need to fix about yourself. It’s about giving yourself grace, inviting God into the places that still hurt, and discovering that healing is possible—even when the journey takes time.

Diana also shares why community matters, how to recognize the lies we’ve believed about ourselves, and what it looks like to begin speaking life over our bodies and our stories.

If you’ve ever felt frustrated with yourself, wondered why you keep returning to old habits, or sensed that there’s something deeper beneath the struggle, this conversation is for you.

You don’t have to stay stuck in old patterns. God can meet you in the deeper places and lead you toward healing, freedom, and a healthier relationship with yourself.

In This Episode, You’ll Discover

• Why the real struggle may be deeper than what you see on the scale.

• What Diana means by the “weight beneath the weight.”

• Why stress sends us looking for comfort—and why willpower alone doesn’t always work.

• How hormones, menopause, and life transitions can affect our emotions and coping habits.

• How childhood wounds can show up as perfectionism, people-pleasing, and all-or-nothing thinking.

• Why asking “What happened to me?” can open the door to compassion and healing.

• How faith, community, and honest conversations help us move beyond isolation.

• Practical ways to challenge harmful beliefs, speak life over your body, and invite God into the healing process.

“What’s wrong with me?” is often better answered by “What happened?”

“This time, don’t bypass your heart.”

“There is tremendous healing and tremendous freedom in our physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health.”

Take the Next Step

Ask Yourself - Body Map Gift from DianaWhat if you stopped beating yourself up for the struggle and started getting curious about the story beneath it?

You are not beyond hope, and you don't have to figure it all out on your own. Invite God into the deeper places, give yourself grace for the journey, and remember that healing can begin one honest step at a time.

Resources:

Diana LaCerte SoulSTRONG Body Map Guide

Monica Schmelter 7 Days of Hope

 

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What happens when the child you raised, prayed for, and loved suddenly wants nothing to do with you?

For many parents, estrangement from an adult child is a grief that is difficult to explain. The child is still alive, but the relationship you once knew may be gone. You may find yourself replaying the past, wondering what you did wrong, crying, praying, and desperately trying to figure out how to make things right.

On this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter sits down with her friend Terry Squires for an honest conversation about one of the most painful experiences a parent can face: a broken or distant relationship with an adult child.

Terry knows this pain personally. She shares how devastated she was when her own sons chose to distance themselves from her. As a mom who had worked hard to raise her children in the faith, she never imagined that her family story would include estrangement.

But in the middle of her heartbreak, Terry learned an important lesson: some things cannot be fixed by us—they have to be placed in God's hands.

Terry talks openly about the season when she was consumed by grief, crying and asking herself what she had done wrong. Then, in a moment of prayer, she sensed God telling her to stop crying, surrender the situation, and move forward.

That became a turning point.

In this powerful conversation, Monica and Terry talk about:

• The unique grief that comes when an adult child becomes estranged

• Why we can become stuck replaying the past and asking, "What did I do wrong?"

• The danger of trying to fix, control, or manipulate a relationship

• Why adult children have to be allowed to make their own choices

• The importance of establishing healthy boundaries

• Knowing the difference between a healthy conversation and one that continually attacks and tears you down

• Protecting your heart while still leaving the door open for reconciliation

• Trusting God when you don't know how the story will end

• Why reconciliation sometimes happens suddenly and sometimes takes time

• How to keep moving forward instead of allowing grief to consume your life

• Finding peace in the promises of God's Word

Terry also shares Scriptures that have encouraged her during this difficult journey, including Isaiah 43, which reminds us that God is doing a new thing, and Philippians, which points us toward leaving the past behind and moving forward.

Perhaps the most important reminder in this conversation is this:

You don't have to fix what only God can fix.

You can love your adult child. You can pray. You can apologize for your part. You can establish healthy boundaries. You can leave the door open for reconciliation.

And then—you can trust God.

Your story may not look like the story you imagined when your children were little. But that doesn't mean God is finished writing it.

Sometimes hope looks like reconciliation.

Sometimes hope looks like surrender.

And sometimes hope is simply waking up another morning and choosing to believe that God is still at work—even when you can't see what He's doing.

Scriptures Mentioned

Isaiah 43 — God is doing a new thing.

Philippians — Don't remain stuck looking backward; keep moving forward.

A Question to Consider

Is there something—or someone—you have been trying desperately to fix that God may be asking you to place back into His hands?

Prayer

Lord, help me release the things I cannot control. Give me wisdom to know when to speak, when to set a boundary, and when to be still. Protect my heart from bitterness and despair and help me trust You with the people I love most. When I cannot see what You are doing, remind me that You are still working. Help me move forward in faith, knowing that You are faithful and that my story is not over. Amen

Your story isn't over. Let God write the next chapter.

Resources 

Guest: Terry Squires

Terry Squires

monicaschmelter.com

Online Extras & Resources

Promises and Prayers for Your Family

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 When life knocks you down, how do you find the strength to get back up?

Angel Faulk shares her powerful and deeply personal journey from a brain tumor diagnosis and surgery to facial paralysis, recovery, renewed faith, and a whole new perspective about life.

Angel opens up about the moments when fear, uncertainty, and shame could have defined her story—and how God used those difficult seasons to build resilience and reveal a greater destiny. She shares why she believes praise is a weapon, how the right community can make a difference when you're healAnging, and why resilience isn't about never falling down—it's about continuing to get back up.

Angel and Monica also talk about health and fitness for women over 40, navigating menopause and weight changes, and the importance of taking action right where you are. Angel's story is a powerful reminder that faith isn't passive. Sometimes, we have to praise through the pain, take the next step, surround ourselves with people who encourage us, and trust God with what we can't yet see.

If you've ever faced a diagnosis, disappointment, setback, or season that made you wonder, “What now?” Angel's story will remind you that your hardest chapter doesn't have to be your final chapter.

Your story can still become a testimony. Your pain can have purpose. And with God, there is always hope for the journey.

In this episode, you'll discover:

• How Angel found faith and resilience after a brain tumor diagnosis

• Why praise can change your perspective in the middle of adversity

• The powerful role community and environment play in healing

• How to move beyond shame and embrace life after unexpected changes

• Practical encouragement for women navigating menopause, fitness, and health after 40

• Why faith and action go hand in hand

• How God can use the trials we've walked through to help others

• Why sometimes the most important thing you can do is simply keep getting back up

Angel's reminder for every woman listening: “Just keep getting back up.”

Resources from today's episode 

Angel Faulk, The Fitness Angel

When it Feels Like Too Much

Monica Schmelter

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What do you do when life doesn’t turn out the way you expected? When disappointment shakes your faith, loss leaves you with unanswered questions, and God seems silent when you need Him most?

On this episode of Hope for the Journey with Monica Schmelter, Monica sits down with Tammy Trent for an honest, hope-filled conversation about navigating pain, confronting doubt, and finding God in the middle of your life’s hardest seasons.

Drawing from her own journey through deep loss and heartbreak, Tammy shares how our wounds, disappointments, and unanswered questions can sometimes drown out the truth of God’s Word. Together, Monica and Tammy explore how to bring our honest questions before God, recognize the lies that can take root in our hearts, and rediscover our true identity in Christ.

Through biblical truth, personal stories, and moments of humor, Tammy offers encouragement and practical tools to help you move toward healing and strengthen your faith—even when life feels overwhelming.

If you’ve ever wondered where God is when you’re hurting, this conversation is for you. You'll be reminded that your questions don’t have to push you away from God. He can use even your hardest seasons to draw you closer to Him.

Because even when you can’t see the way forward, your story isn’t over, and you are never alone on the journey.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How to navigate disappointment and unanswered questions without losing your faith.

• Why unresolved wounds can make it difficult to hear God’s truth.

• How to recognize the lies pain can cause us to believe about ourselves and God.

• How Scripture and an honest relationship with God can help us move toward healing.

• Why our identity in Christ remains secure, even when life doesn’t go as planned.

Join Monica Schmelter and Tammy Trent for a powerful reminder that God is still present in your pain, faithful in your questions, and at work in your story.

Resources from Today's Episode

Guest: Tammy Trent Where Are You Now God?

Online Extras & Resources 

monicachmelter.com/resources

 When It Feels Like Too Much

When Life Hurts

 

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In this episode of 'Hope for the Journey', Monica Schmelter and Heather Creekmore discuss the struggles of body image among Christian women. They explore Heather's personal journey with body image issues, the impact of societal standards, and the realization that these struggles can be rooted in idolatry. The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing body image as a sin problem, the exhaustion of chasing societal ideals, and the hope found in Christ. They encourage women to start their journey towards freedom from body image issues and to focus on loving God and others instead of being consumed by self-image.

Takeaways

Making peace with our bodies is essential for freedom.
Body image issues often stem from idolatry.
Recognizing body image as a sin problem is crucial.
The journey to freedom is a process, not an instant fix.
Community and relationships are vital for mental health.
Healthy living is about more than just weight loss.
We need to challenge societal standards of beauty.
God has a unique purpose for each of us, beyond our appearance.
The gospel provides hope and acceptance.
We can find freedom by focusing on God and loving others.

Heather Creekmore, Christian Author, Podcast Host, Encourager

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In this episode of Hope for the Journey, host Monica chats with Darla Nelson, author of the book "I'm Fine, Really." They dive into the dangers of the phrase "I'm fine" as a coping mechanism, and how it can lead to hiding our true emotions and experiences. Darla shares her own story of struggling with stress and anxiety, and how she's learned to prioritize self-care and God-reliance. They discuss the importance of taking small steps towards change, like focusing on the good in our lives and letting go of control.

Guest Resources - Coach Darla Nelson

Get Darla's free guide at Home | Coach Darla Nelson

Online Extras and Resources also at monicaschmelter.com

 

 

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In this powerful episode, host Monica and Kenza Haddock take an honest and compassionate look at narcissism—the kind that often hides beneath charm, compliments, and early connection. Together, we unpack what narcissistic behavior really is, why it can be so harmful, and how it impacts women who are seeking healing and wholeness in the second half of life.

They begin by breaking down the clinical definition of narcissistic personality disorder, helping you understand what’s happening beneath the surface and how these patterns develop. We also explore the emotional and chemical bonds that can form—such as the role dopamine plays when attention and affirmation feel intoxicating, especially if you’re not used to being treated well.

Most importantly, this episode offers practical, hope-filled steps you can start taking today. From setting healthy, appropriate boundaries to cultivating a supportive community, you’ll walk away with tools to protect your heart, strengthen your identity, and move forward with clarity.

If you’ve ever felt confused, diminished, or mislabeled by someone else’s behavior, this conversation is for you. Remember: no name spoken over you can override who God says you are.

Key Takeaways

• What narcissism really is—and why it’s often hard to recognize at first

• How narcissistic behavior can harm emotional and spiritual well-being

• The role of dopamine and why early praise can feel so powerful

• Simple, practical steps to begin setting healthy boundaries

• Why community is essential for healing and rebuilding

• Reclaiming your identity beyond harmful labels and words spoken over you

 

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In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses breaking free from health anxiety with guest Jamie Hampton, co-host of the Praying Christian Women podcast. They explore personal experiences with health anxiety, the impact of internet research, and the importance of faith and community in overcoming fears. Jamie shares her journey through anxiety, the role of worship and prayer, and the significance of seeking medical help and support from loved ones. The conversation emphasizes that struggling with anxiety is valid and encourages listeners to find strength in faith and community.

Takeaways

• Health anxiety can be overwhelming but is manageable with support.
• Internet research can exacerbate health fears.
• Faith and community play crucial roles in overcoming anxiety.
• Worship and prayer provide comfort and strength.
• Seeking medical help is important despite fears.
• Sharing struggles with trusted friends can be healing.
• Hormonal changes can impact mental health.
• Avoiding Google searches can prevent anxiety spirals.
• God's presence is felt in moments of vulnerability.
• Struggling with anxiety is valid and not a sign of weakness.
• Worship as a Tool for Overcoming Anxiety
• Navigating Health Anxiety with Faith
• The Role of Prayer in Mental Health
• Finding Strength in Vulnerability
• Embracing Faith to Overcome Anxiety

Online Extras and Resources Just for You

PODCASTS — Praying Christian Women

You can grab a free scripture journal at ⁠⁠⁠PrayingChristianWomen.com/journal ⁠⁠⁠today!

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In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses the gifts that cost nothing but mean everything, especially during the holiday season. She emphasizes the importance of kindness, forgiveness, peace, friendship, love, and family, culminating in the ultimate gift of Jesus Christ. Through personal anecdotes and biblical references, she encourages listeners to reflect on these gifts and their significance in their lives, particularly during challenging times.

Takeaways

Gifts that cost nothing can have profound meaning.
Kindness can be as simple as offering help to others.
Forgiveness is essential for personal peace and relationships.
Peace is a gift that can be shared with others.
Friendship provides support and joy during tough times.
Love is the foundation of all meaningful relationships.
Family is a God-given gift that fosters belonging.
Celebrating Jesus is the core of the Christmas season.
Traditions can help keep the focus on the true meaning of Christmas.
It's important to reach out to those who may feel lonely during the holidays.

Online Extras & Resources

HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080×1350)

Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf

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In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter discusses the importance of embracing the holiday spirit by doing less and enjoying more. She emphasizes that holiday magic comes from being present rather than overdoing it and shares practical strategies for women over 40 to reclaim joy during the holiday season. Monica encourages listeners to set boundaries, focus on what truly matters, and find freedom in simplifying their holiday traditions.


Holiday magic comes from being present, not doing more.
Women often face cultural and family expectations during the holidays.
Doing less can lead to more joy and less burnout.
Setting boundaries is essential for a fulfilling holiday experience.
It's okay to say no without feeling guilty.
Focus on three meaningful holiday activities and let the rest go.
Grief can impact holiday joy; it's important to acknowledge it.
Creating new traditions can help in processing loss.
Doing less is a way to protect your heart during the holidays.
Finding joy in simple pleasures can enhance the holiday experience.

Extras - HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080×1350)

 

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