In this episode Chris and Diane invite you to share in the celebration of the launch of their new Bible study, Women Finishing Well. Find out how the new study will change how you do life.

In this episode Chris interviews Dr. Amy Hanson about how our churches can empower the growing Baby Boomer generation, and how we can come alongside and help.

Show Notes & Links:

-Meet Dr. Amy Hanson, author and gerontology professor at the University of Nebraska with a heart for the church.

-What's the reality? Amy shares some key data about the Baby Boomer generation.

How the largest generation in history has already changed history--and wants to continue to make a difference.

-Why we need to revamp the old "Senior Ministry" model.

-How to approach your church leadership to help.

-The big picture: the largest generation includes large numbers of people that need to know Jesus.

-Why multi-generational ministry is a key to bringing the church together.

-Final words: Stay connected to God, be willing to step out and take a risk on your dream. Where do you want to leave your heart?

Links:

Link to Baby Boomers and Beyond (Amy's book)

Link to Amy's website

Link to the Women Finishing Well Facebook page

Link to get on the Bible study Launch Team

In this episode Diane and Chris talk about the upcoming Bible study (to be released 11/19) and answer some questions about what the study is all about.

Show Notes & Links:

-What is a woman finishing well?

-Why leaving a legacy is like a relay race.

-Did you know God already has people in your life to pass a legacy to (your circle of influence and your communities of influence)?

-Women finishing well love to tell stories.

-Women finishing well train to run the race God has marked out for them.

-What is different about this Bible study?

-Are you ready for a launch party on Nov. 19?

Links:

-Get a deeper understanding of your circle of influence and your communities of influence in episodes four and five. Click to start here.

-Your last chance to get on our launch team! Facebook Live parties start Tuesday, Nov. 5. Click here to join the fun.

Help Us Get the Word Out!

Can you help us get the word out by leaving a review of the podcast on iTunes? Maybe share a link on your Facebook profile to this show? Or, better yet, join the launch team above! Thanks for all you do to help.

In this episode, Chris and Diane talk about the ageless challenge of uprooting and moving. Both Chris and Diane tell their stories about moving multiple times and there's even a little Dr. Seuss involved.

Show Notes & Links

-The challenge of moving (maybe again and again).

-Chris and Diane's moving stories and tips. Overcoming the typical challenges a new kid on the block faces:

1. Always make friends wherever you go as soon as possible

2. Plug in to a church. There are probably plenty to choose from and one that fits you. Keep looking until you find it.

3. Lessons from Dr. Seuss.

4. Try something new--take a class, volunteer.

5. There may be waiting involved but don't get comfortable and become a recluse.

6. Take a baby step. Remember, "What About Bob?"

7. Don't forget to extend a welcome to the new kid. God asks us to extend a welcome to strangers.

Links:

Join the conversation and answer the question: what are your tips when you're the new kid or lending a hand to the new kid? Leave your tips in the comments.

You can also join the conversation on our Facebook page:

https://www.facebook.com/womenfinishingwell/

Help Us Get the Word Out:

Would you consider sharing this podcast with a friend or posting a link on your Facebook page? Here's the link:

womenfinishingwell.com/episode25

It's not too late to join the launch team for our Bible study. Here's the link to get your free copy of the new Bible study:

https://womenfinishingwell.com/jointheteam/

Scriptures from this episode: Proverbs 3:5-6

NOTE: This is a re-broadcast of an earlier podcast from the fall of 2019. There is a mention of an offer for a free Bible study in the intro--that offer is no longer available.

This episode is part two of Chris' interview with Dr. Maggie Syme on how to navigate life changes. There's a link in the show notes to part one, so don't miss that.

Show Notes & Links

-Why we need people around us when changes comes at us unexpectedly.

-Why understanding your own strengths in a challenge is important.

-Have friends facing sudden change? Just show up. Remember their tangible needs too.

-How to instigate "what if" conversations with loved ones about matters like end-of-life care. (Hint: it's okay to admit it is awkward)

Tips you can use:

1. Be compassionate to yourself!

2. Find success stories in your social circle (your squad) for inspiration.

3. Celebrate your little wins.

Links:

Link to part one of this interview here.

Link to Five Wishes organization and end of life documents.

Starting the conversation on end-of-life care (from AARP)

We'd like to connect:

Join us on Facebook and join the conversation! Click here.

Question of the week:

What are your tips for handling changes that want to throw you off track?

In this episode, Chris interviews Dr. Maggie Syme about how we can successfully navigate what life throws at us by learning how to plan for change.

Show Notes & Links

-Meet our guest, Dr. Maggie Syme, an assistant professor at the Kansas State University Center on Aging. And she also happens to be Chris' daughter!

-Adapting to change can become easier as we age because we have the benefit of experience: been there, done that.

-When change challenges our lifestyle, we need to challenge old habits.

-Lifestyle changes that we initiate are more in our control and usually have a "pay-off" that motivates us.

-Unexpected changes can be eased by some advanced planning.

-Analyze your common coping strategies--are they helpful or hurtful. Who can you lean in when you need help?

On the next show: What difference does seeking support make and what are the benefits of planning for change.

Links:

Find out more about the Kansas State Center on Aging here.

Don't forget to sign up to get on the launch team of our new Bible study and get your free copy (and loads of other goodies):

Click to sign up here.

Help Us Get the Word Out!

Would you consider leaving us a review on your iTunes podcast page to help other women find us? Click on this link to our podcast page and then click on the "listen on iTunes" link. You'll find a reviews tab on that page and you'll receive our undying gratitude!

Leave a link on your Facebook page! Tell your friends about us. You can copy and paste this link onto your Facebook post. It links to today's show:

https://womenfinishingwell.com/episode23

In this episode Chris and Diane talk about how FOMO (fear of missing out) can influence the expectations we have from our friends.

Show Notes & Links

-The tough question: If nobody ever became your friend, would God be enough?

-Why God's friendship is like a big fluffy pile of homemade mashed potatoes. Hint: there's no substitute for the real thing.

-Find out how to have realistic expectations from your friendships.

-How social media can give us a skewed picture of reality and become FOMO fuel.

-Find out Chris' three "screenless rules."

-But wait! Good friendship things do happen online. What's a maven anyway?

-Question to ask yourself: What is my purpose in being on social media?

-Would you be willing to try a social media fast?

Links:

-Here's the link to the free Vital Friends assessment to find out what your friends' strengths are: https://gx.gallup.com/vitalfriends.gx/

-Want a free copy of our new Bible study and help us spread the word? Sign up for our launch team here. You'll get a follow-up email to confirm your subscription right away. If you don't see it, look in your spam folder: https://forms.aweber.com/form/41/1693084241.htm

-Click here to check out Lisa-Jo Baker's book, Never Unfriended.

Help Us Spread the Word:

Share this week's podcast with a friend and help us get the word out! Thanks for your support! https://womenfinishingwell.com/episode22/

Question of the week: How do you keep social media from consuming your free time and making you feel left out? Join the discussion and give us your two-cents worth.

In this episode Chris and Diane share how to build an inner circle of friends that will always be there for you and how to be an inner circle friend to others.

Show Notes & Links:

-You are invited to join our Bible study book launch team and get a free copy of our new Bible study. Check the links section below for more information!

-Why we need an inner circle of friends like Jesus had with Peter, James, and John.

-A tool to find out what each of your friends bring to the table.

-What should you expect from your inner circle friends?

-What is your responsibility to your inner circle?

-What does your ideal inner circle friend look like?

-How do you stay close and spend quality time with friends when your life is busy?

-What about the accountability thing?

Links:

-You can use the Vital Friends free assessment to find out how your individual friends add to your life. Check it out here.

-Sign up for our Bible study launch team and get a free preview copy of the book! Click to sign up here.

Question of the Week: How do you keep up with your inner circle friends?

Look for the question on our Facebook page post here:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/WomenFinishingWellstudy/

Answer the question on our podcast website in the comments:

In this episode, Chris and Diane are joined by Millennial friends for a round table discussion on why women need friends from all generations.

Meet Becca Syme and Lauren Gelman

-Becca is a full-time writer and writing coach, and also has a side gig as the worship director at her church. She holds a master's degree in Transformational Leadership from Bethel Seminary. She is also Chris' daughter. Lauren is the Associate Director of Foursquare Multiply, a church planting organization through the Foursquare denomination that serves eleven states in the West Coast region. She holds a master's degree in Strategic Leadership from Life Pacific University. She and Diane work together.

Show Notes & Links

-How important is it to have friendships in other age groups?

-How diversity broadens our scope.

-Advice for women who want to build friendships outside their own generation?

-Why mentoring programs are struggling.

-The best advice we all had: don't be afraid to ask women of other ages to get together. You have to be intentional.

-Advice to all generations: We all approach life differently. Be open to difference and establish a relationship based on trust.

-Tip: if you're looking for a place to start, look for a volunteer opportunity where women of multiple generations take part.

Links:

-Go to our Facebook page and give us your best tips for developing multi-generational friendships. How have they enriched your life?

https://www.facebook.com/womenfinishingwell/

-You can also comment on the podcast page here or share this link with a friend: https://womenfinishingwell.com/episode20/

-Sign up for our monthly newsletter to get all the updates on our Bible studies and to get a chance to win free books! Who doesn't like free books? https://forms.aweber.com/form/40/1204767040.htm

In this episode, Chris interviews returning podcast guest Melanie Davis Porter about how to come alongside friends who are grieving and how to help them heal.

Links & Show Notes:

-Meet Melanie Davie Porter

- What are some first responses to a friend who has suffered a tragedy?

-Why listening is key.

-What you should say when you don't know what to say.

-Don't be afraid to ask what you can do.

-Let them know you are available.

-How to help a friend who is sinking into toxic grief. Perseverance is key--don't give up on them.

-Melanie talks about the Jewish custom of "sitting shiva."

Scripture Verses:

-1 Thes. 4:13

-Ecc. 3:7

Links:

-Link to Melanie's earlier episode number 13

-Article on the Jewish tradition of sitting shiva:

https://www.shiva.com/learning-center/sitting-shiva/

How you can help us spread the word:

-Link to our Facebook page

-Link to today's episode to share on your Facebook page or email a friend.