Show Notes

A Candid Chat on Planning Ahead for an Empty Nest
Join Michelle and guests Amber Cullum (Grace Enough Podcast) and Amy Fritz  (Untangled Faith Podcast) in a candid and emotional conversation about planning for an empty nest. As midlife moms with kids at various stages, they share their thoughts, fears, and hopes about their children growing up and leaving home. From navigating the transition to preparing for empty nesting, this episode offers relatable insights and genuine conversations about the next chapter in parenting. Tune in for an honest and heartfelt discussion on Life Repurposed. Then hop over to liferepurposed.me to have a conversation about your questions and fears.   Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes In the latest episode of "Life Repurposed," Michelle Rayburn and guests Amy Fritz and Amber Cullum engage in a candid and emotional conversation about the prospect of empty nesting. This discussion provides diverse perspectives on preparing for the eventual departure of children from the home, offering valuable insights and relatable experiences. Amid laughter and shared vulnerability, the friends explore their thoughts and emotions about the upcoming empty nest phase, acknowledging the difficulty of envisioning life without their children at home. Amber, a mother of younger children, expresses her struggle with change, while Amy, whose oldest child is in college, grapples with mixed feelings and the challenges of this transition. The conversation dives deep into the emotional complexities of preparing for an empty nest, shedding light on the fears, Read more

Stay or Go: Church Choices and Spiritual Journeys
Did you stay in a church for the kids? Would you stay for your friendships? In Episode 195 of "Life Repurposed," Michelle Rayburn discusses the topic of staying or leaving a church, particularly as individuals navigate changes in their lives and spiritual journeys. Drawing from personal experiences, biblical examples, and insights from experts, Michelle explores the complexities and considerations involved in discerning this spiritual path. Listeners are encouraged to prioritize their relationship with God, embrace change with faith, and seek guidance when contemplating a new church community. This episode provides valuable reflections and practical guidance for those grappling with the decision to stay or seek a new spiritual home.   Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes In the latest episode of Life Repurposed, host Michelle Rayburn dives into the topic of staying or leaving a church. With honesty and deep reflection, she shares her own experiences and insights, offering valuable guidance for listeners facing similar soul-searching moments. Navigating the decision to stay or leave a church is a deeply personal and often complex journey. Michelle emphasizes the importance of remaining connected to Jesus and seeking guidance when wrestling with this decision. She encourages listeners to connect with others in their church community, emphasizing the significance of finding a sense of belonging and support in a new church environment. Throughout the episode, Michelle reflects on the evolving expectations surrounding church communities and the need Read more

Love Comes with Maturity—If We Cultivate It
In Episode 194 of "Life Repurposed," Michelle emphasizes the transformative power of love as the foundation for rebuilding and enriching lives. With a focus on practical ways to cultivate love, the episode explores empathy, compassion, active listening, and seeking to understand others' unique life stories and worldviews. She discusses the importance of extending acts of kindness, practicing forgiveness, and embracing love as a guiding principle in relationships, communities, and society. The episode also delves into the role of loving others, emphasizing emotional and soul maturity aligning with love and understanding the bigger picture of life. Join us as we prioritize love and intentional relationships, with practical steps for fostering empathy and compassion.   Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes This episode explores the profound impact of prioritizing love and intentionally focusing on relationships with others. The episode delves into the transformative power of empathy, compassion, and connection, highlighting the importance of actively listening, seeking understanding, and practicing empathy in cultivating meaningful relationships. In the fast-paced world we live in, where personal ambitions and material possessions often take precedence, it's easy to lose sight of the foundational role love plays in our lives. Michelle emphasizes the need to prioritize love as a guiding principle, shaping our relationships, participation in culture, and daily priorities. She encourages listeners to reflect on the origins of their mindset, challenging assumptions and stereotypes about those with different viewpoints, which Read more

Uncover Passions and Live with Intention
In this episode, host Michelle Rayburn explores the importance of pursuing passions and overcoming obstacles in midlife. She shares personal stories and practical tips for reigniting a sense of purpose, embracing uncertainty, and investing in personal growth. Listeners are encouraged to step out of their comfort zones, confront fears, and pursue their true aspirations with courage and conviction. Join Michelle as she challenges you to live each day with intention and embrace the beauty of self-discovery.   Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes In this empowering episode, Michelle shares invaluable insights on reigniting passion and embracing self-discovery. She emphasizes the importance of seeking supportive relationships, overcoming fear of judgment, and expressing true desires and aspirations. She encourages listeners to resist complacency and fear of uncertainty, exploring various interests and experiences to ignite passion and purpose. Michelle delves into the nature of passion, discussing the triggers of intense desire and personal struggles in finding true passion. She highlights the power of regret in motivating the pursuit of passions and provides practical strategies for reigniting passion, including embracing unconventional passions, turning regret into resilience, and setting actionable goals. The episode touches on the significance of continuous learning, investment in personal growth, and interaction with supportive communities. Michelle shares her personal journey of attending conferences to enhance her writing skills and network, underscoring the value of committing to regular practice of passions. Listeners are urged to Read more

Midlife Memory Hacks, Task Management, and Renewed Purpose
Discover practical tips and playful insights for navigating life's adventures and memory lapses. Learn memory-boosting strategies, organizational hacks, and how to thrive in midlife and beyond. Rediscover the joy of living fully in the present moment while staying organized and embracing new experiences. Gain practical tips for navigating forgetfulness and maximizing productivity amidst life's chaotic moments. Join Michelle as she inspires and empowers you to celebrate each day as an opportunity to create memories, pursue passions, and connect with the world around you. Series: Midlife Mixtape: Rocking Out to the Soundtracks of Our Middle Years   Michelle Rayburn is an author and podcast host who helps others find hope in the trashy stuff of life. She has an MA in ministry leadership and writes Christian living books, humor, and Bible studies. Together with her husband, they've raised two sons and gained two daughters-in-law—plus three granddaughters (go estrogen team!) and a grandson. Dark chocolate, an iced coffee, and a good book in the hammock top Michelle's favorites list. Show Notes In episode 192 of "Life Repurposed," host Michelle Rayburn delves into the complexities of navigating midlife while addressing forgetfulness, memory lapses, and the pursuit of purpose. She candidly shares her personal experiences with forgetfulness in midlife, reflecting on the impact of perimenopause and the challenges of feeling overwhelmed and vibrant simultaneously. Michelle underscores the importance of normalizing memory lapses in midlife and fostering understanding and sensitivity toward those experiencing forgetfulness. She advocates for cherishing memories and striving to find purpose amid the challenges of aging. Seeking to equip listeners with practical strategies, Michelle emphasizes the benefits of utilizing smartphones to streamline tasks, manage calendars, and declutter the mind. From digital lists, alarms, and reminders to mindfulness and relaxation apps, she encourages exploring the multifunctional capabilities of smartphones beyond social media and Read more