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

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 &amp; Resources 
<a href="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/57051b21d51cd4379e4ea36a/t/69376a806ad7eb690a718731/1765239424647/HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png">HOPE+for+the+Holidays.png (1080&times;1350)</a>
<a href="https://cynthiaruchti.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf">Ruchti_The-Roles-of-the-Holy-Spirit.pdf</a>

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 facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it’s never too late to start anew.

Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life’s journey with faith and hope.

FREE RESOURCES:

Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at https://monicaschmelter.com/resources

Welcome to Hope for the Journey &ndash; 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&rsquo;s grace, redemption, and unwavering hope can lead to new beginnings.
Whether you're facing a personal challenge, seeking spiritual growth, or needing daily encouragement, Hope for the Journey is here to strengthen your faith and remind you that it&rsquo;s never too late to start anew.
Join Monica Schmelter each week for powerful Christian testimonies, Bible-based encouragement, and uplifting conversations that will inspire your walk with God and help you navigate life&rsquo;s journey with faith and hope.
FREE RESOURCES:
Check out all of Monica's free resources, including a free prayer guide and meaningful ways to comfort the grieving, at <a href="https://monicaschmelter.com/resources">https://monicaschmelter.com/resources</a>

Welcome to Hope for the Journey with Monica Schmelter– 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.

Hope For The Journey with Monica Schmelter

Hope For The Journey

Gifts that Cost Nothing but Mean Everything; Unwrapping the Greatest Gift of All - Jesus

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/05caafdf-8a4a-4141-910f-b3bc002aecf8/transcript

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

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.
<a href="https://www.heathercreekmore.com/">Heather Creekmore, Christian Author, Podcast Host, Encourager</a>

Making Peace with Your Body Image; Hope for the Woman Who's Tried Everything

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/943985a1-a903-4ca8-ac60-b3d100013883/transcript

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.

Resources

@coachdarlanelson

 

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.
Resources
@coachdarlanelson
&nbsp;

I'm Fine - Everything is Fine - Find out how the Everything is Fine Answer May be 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/5f0c252e-b7d4-477a-b3ed-b3cf011d4335/transcript

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

 

In this powerful episode, host Monica and Kenza Haddock take an honest and compassionate look at&nbsp;narcissism&mdash;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&rsquo;s happening beneath the surface and how these patterns develop. We also explore the emotional and chemical bonds that can form&mdash;such as the role dopamine plays when attention and affirmation feel intoxicating, especially if you&rsquo;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&rsquo;ll walk away with tools to protect your heart, strengthen your identity, and move forward with clarity.
If you&rsquo;ve ever felt confused, diminished, or mislabeled by someone else&rsquo;s behavior, this conversation is for you. Remember: no name spoken over you can override who God says you are.
Key Takeaways
<ul data-start="1736" data-end="2149">
<li data-start="1736" data-end="1811">
What narcissism really is&mdash;and why it&rsquo;s often hard to recognize at first
</li>
<li data-start="1812" data-end="1885">
How narcissistic behavior can harm emotional and spiritual well-being
</li>
<li data-start="1886" data-end="1952">
The role of dopamine and why early praise can feel so powerful
</li>
<li data-start="1953" data-end="2016">
Simple, practical steps to begin setting healthy boundaries
</li>
<li data-start="2017" data-end="2074">
Why community is essential for healing and rebuilding
</li>
<li data-start="2075" data-end="2149">
Reclaiming your identity beyond harmful labels and words spoken over you
</li>
</ul>
&nbsp;

Unmasking Narcissism- the Things You Don't See a First and Reclaiming Your Story

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/5e27a451-e6e6-4c51-aa03-a7370003783c/clips/eaec5330-640c-467d-bc1f-b3c1014a26a6/transcript

Gifts that Cost Nothing but Mean Everything; Unwrapping the Greatest Gift of All - Jesus

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