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

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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.

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The holiday season often arrives wrapped in expectations—traditions to uphold, gatherings to organize, and memories we hope to recreate. But life is never static. Children grow. Circumstances shift. Loved ones move across states… or even across oceans. In this episode of Hope for the Journey, Monica Schmelter explores how embracing flexibility can transform our holiday experience and keep our hearts centered on Christ. 

As a self-described recovering “control freak,” Monica shares how letting go of rigid expectations opened her hands to receive the grace God is offering right now. Drawing from personal stories—including celebrating Christmas early with her adult son before he travels abroad—and insights from Hope for the Journey guests, she reminds us that the true heart of Christmas remains unchanged: Christ has come. When we release the pressure for perfection, we make space for peace, connection, and gratitude. Flexibility becomes a spiritual posture, a way of loving others well, and a reminder that God’s joy isn’t fragile. From store-bought dinners to unexpected schedule shifts, the imperfect moments often become the sacred ones.

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If the holiday season is already feeling heavy - if your scheduled is already overbooked - you are NOT alone. Hope is closer than you think. Acclaimed author Cynthia Ruchti joins Monica to talk about the Spirit of Christmas - a unique look at the Christmas story - that may change your perspective on the Christmas season.

For example, if you've been celebrating Christmas the same way year after year - today's episode will encourage you to look for the Holy Spirit in the Christmas story and in your life during the holidays as well. Cynthia's unique perspective is a breath of fresh air for the woman and/or family who wants to get past the "commercialization" of Christmas and find what is truly meaningful.

Cynthia and Monica also talk about ways to slow down and resist the pressure of the season so that you can experience a Christmas season filled with His presence and peace.

It isn't too late to rewrite your holiday story. Your Christmas doesn't have to be filled with disappointment and unmet expectations. You can start fresh this year and create peaceful, beautiful and meaningful memories for you and your family.

Today's Guest: Cynthia Ruchti, Cynthia Ruchti | I can't unravel. I'm hemmed in hope.

Today's Giveaways & Resources:

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Episode Title: Breaking the Grip of Anxiety with Dr. Michelle Bengtson

Description:

In this powerful episode, board-certified clinical neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Bengtson shares her personal and professional insights on overcoming anxiety’s relentless grip. Drawing from decades of clinical experience and her own journey through anxiety and depression, Dr. Bengtson offers a unique perspective on the mind-body-spirit connection—and how true healing goes beyond just managing symptoms.

You'll discover practical tools rooted in both science and faith, as Dr. Bengtson discusses the causes of anxiety, common misconceptions, and effective strategies to find lasting peace. Whether you're personally battling anxiety or supporting a loved one who is, this episode will leave you feeling empowered, encouraged, and equipped to break free.

Key Takeaways:

• The difference between clinical anxiety and everyday stress

• Why anxiety is not just "in your head"

• Faith-based strategies for rewiring anxious thought patterns

• Hope for healing: what recovery can really look like

• How the T-R-U-S-T acronym can help you break the grip of anxiety

 

 

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One of the biggest challenges stepmoms face is figuring out where they actually fit in. Are you a parent? A friend? A bonus mom? Or just… in the background? In this episode, we unpack the confusing, ever-shifting role of a stepmom in a blended family. From navigating parental boundaries to defining your emotional responsibilities, we explore how to find your place in a way that feels authentic, healthy, and sustainable—for you.

Whether you're brand new to stepmom life or still trying to define your role years in, this conversation will help you feel more grounded and confident.

 

Help for Stepmoms Here: Blog | The Smart Stepmom

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In this episode of Grace Beyond Failure, we explore the hidden strength found in our most broken moments. Whether you're wrestling with personal setbacks, professional disappointments, or simply feeling stuck, this conversation will remind you don't have to let failure have the final say — it’s the beginning of a brand-new start.

We dive deep into what it means to give yourself grace, find purpose in pain, and rebuild from the ashes with clarity and courage. Through honest reflections, real-life stories, and practical insights, you'll learn how to reframe failure not as a defeat, but as a doorway to growth and an opportunity to let God work all things out for your good.

Tune in for a refreshing reminder from Paula Michele and Monica that you are not defined by your mistakes — and that it's never too late to rewrite your story.

 

Today's Giveaway: 3 Ways to Rewrite Your Story RR3Ways to Help You Rewrite Your Story

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When Denette Schaer lost her 17-year-old son in a tragic accident, her world was shattered. What followed was a journey through the deepest valleys of grief—a place where time stood still, and the future felt unimaginable. In this powerful episode, Denette shares her story with raw honesty and quiet strength, recounting the pain of unimaginable loss and the slow, sacred process of healing.

Through the shadows of sorrow, Denette discovered glimmers of hope—moments of connection, faith, and unexpected grace that helped her begin to breathe again. Her story is not just about loss, but about love that endures, and the courage it takes to move forward.

Whether you’ve experienced loss yourself or are walking alongside someone who has, this conversation is a testament to the resilience of the human heart—and a reminder that even in our darkest seasons, hope is never fully out of reach.

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Ever felt selfish or guilty for setting boundaries? You’re not alone — but it doesn’t have to be that way. In this episode, we explore how to set clear, compassionate boundaries without the emotional baggage. Learn why boundaries are a form of self-respect, how to communicate them with confidence, and why guilt has no place in your growth. Whether it’s with family, friends, or at work, discover how to protect your energy and show up as your best self — guilt-free.

✨ What we cover:

• Why guilt shows up when we set boundaries

• How to reframe boundaries as an act of love

• Real-life examples of boundary setting in action

If you're ready to stop people-pleasing and start honoring your needs, this episode is for you.

Guest: Debi Russell, Christian Counselor Debi Russell Speaks

Today's Giveaway: Boundary Cheat Sheet Boundary+Cheat+Sheet+(2).png (1545×2000)

 

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My guest today shares that change is sometimes spelled H-A-R-D. Yet if we remain open to what God is doing in our lives change can bring the transformation that we want and need. Whether it's a cross country move, a new job, or relationship loss change is always right there with us. Change can bring disruption and doubts but if we can hold on to hope change can guide us into a brand new season. On this episode Ginger Harrington shares how change has impacted her life and the practical ways she employs to make the most of change. You don't have to let change derail you. Instead, you can let change serve as a guide into new chapter with a stronger and better you.

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