Latest / The Midlife Momma Podcast - Empty nest mom, Parenting adult children, Midlife transition, Christian mom / 213. Seven Ways Your Intimacy with God Deepens as You Grow Older

Transcript

213. Seven Ways Your Intimacy with God Deepens as You Grow Older · The Midlife Momma Podcast - Empty nest mom, Parenting adult children, Midlife transition, Christian mom

• 0:02
  [SPEAKER_00]: Christian parenting.
• 0:08
  [SPEAKER_00]: Hey mama, I'm Pamela Henkelman, certified emptiness coach and your listening to the mid-life Mama podcast.
• 0:15
  [SPEAKER_00]: This show is for Christian moms navigating the emptiness, learning how to let go with grace, set healthy boundaries, reconnected marriage, and step confidently into their God-given purpose.
• 0:26
  [SPEAKER_00]: Each week I'll coach you through this season with faith-filled encouragement,
• 0:30
  [SPEAKER_00]: On his conversations and practical tools that you can apply right away to your relationships and your life.
• 0:36
  [SPEAKER_00]: If this episode encourages you, I'd be grateful if you leave a quick rating and review.
• 0:42
  [SPEAKER_00]: It helps other moms find the support they need.
• 0:44
  [SPEAKER_00]: You'll find the link in the show notes and make sure you're following the podcast.
• 0:49
  [SPEAKER_00]: And let's get started!
• 0:51
  [SPEAKER_00]: Today we're talking about something tender and beautiful.
• 0:54
  [SPEAKER_00]: We're talking about how intimacy with God changes as we grow older.
• 0:58
  [SPEAKER_00]: If you've walked with a Lord for decades, you might notice your faith looks different now, then it did in your 30s.
• 1:04
  [SPEAKER_00]: Back then, faith sometimes felt like striving, like discipline, like checking the right spiritual boxes.
• 1:10
  [SPEAKER_00]: You compared yourself to the women with a color-coded Bible and the 5am quiet time.
• 1:16
  [SPEAKER_00]: And you wondered if God loved her more because she seemed more devoted, you hit snooze because the baby was up all night.
• 1:23
  [SPEAKER_00]: And quietly questioned whether you were failing spiritually.
• 1:28
  [SPEAKER_00]: But something happens as we age.
• 1:30
  [SPEAKER_00]: The striving softens, the performance fades, the noise quiets, and what's left is something steadier, sweeter and deeper.
• 1:39
  [SPEAKER_00]: In today's episode, I'm walking you through 7 ways intimacy with God deepens as you grow older, especially in the emptiness season.
• 1:47
  [SPEAKER_00]: If you've sensed your faith maturing, but couldn't quite put words to it, I think this episode is going to resonate deeply.
• 1:55
  [SPEAKER_00]: Let's dive in.
• 1:56
  [SPEAKER_00]: There's something sacred about growing older in the Lord.
• 2:00
  [SPEAKER_00]: In our younger years, many of us carried a quiet ache in our faith.
• 2:06
  [SPEAKER_00]: We felt behind, frustrated, or condemned by our lack of discipline, devotion, or desire, we wondered if something was wrong with us.
• 2:16
  [SPEAKER_00]: We're longing selfish.
• 2:18
  [SPEAKER_00]: Were we immature because we didn't always crave long hours in the word the way other women seemed to?
• 2:23
  [SPEAKER_00]: Comparison followed us everywhere.
• 2:26
  [SPEAKER_00]: We looked at the woman with her color golden Bible.
• 2:29
  [SPEAKER_00]: Her quiet time and her steaming mug of coffee and we were certain we fell short.
• 2:36
  [SPEAKER_00]: We always found a reason not to meet with God and then that left us wondering, Piss wrong with me.
• 2:44
  [SPEAKER_00]: And then sometimes when we weren't able to get up to be with God, deep down we wondered, this God love her more than he loves me because she does it better than me.
• 2:55
  [SPEAKER_00]: Faith started to feel like a performance, show up at church, join the study, serve on the team, do the right things so everyone could see how devoted you were even when your heart and body were simply exhausted from the work of raising a family.
• 3:10
  [SPEAKER_00]: But the years have a way of softening us.
• 3:12
  [SPEAKER_00]: They strip away the striving, they quiet the noise, and some more along the road, we begin to realize something beautiful, we were held by his love all along.
• 3:22
  [SPEAKER_00]: And the quiet of the empty nest and the lessons learn through decades of motherhood, refine our faith.
• 3:29
  [SPEAKER_00]: We are no longer trying to prove our devotion, we're simply learning to live with him.
• 3:34
  [SPEAKER_00]: Here are seven ways intimacy with God often deepens as we grow older.
• 3:39
  [SPEAKER_00]: Number one, you know intimacy isn't a box to check.
• 3:44
  [SPEAKER_00]: As you grow older, you begin to understand that your relationship with God was never meant to be another box on your to-do list.
• 3:52
  [SPEAKER_00]: It's an invitation to communion with the one who loves you most.
• 3:56
  [SPEAKER_00]: The shudders and the half-dos start to fall away, replaced, with a quiet longing for his presence.
• 4:03
  [SPEAKER_00]: You're no longer chasing spiritual gold stars.
• 4:06
  [SPEAKER_00]: You're not trying to impress God
• 4:14
  [SPEAKER_00]: His heart, his perspective, his presence in the middle of an ordinary afternoon.
• 4:20
  [SPEAKER_00]: Somewhere along the way, you realize this beautiful truth.
• 4:24
  [SPEAKER_00]: Being with God is the reward.
• 4:28
  [SPEAKER_00]: Reason number two, your intimacy deepens with age is that you know hearing God's voice matters most.
• 4:35
  [SPEAKER_00]: In this season of light, intimacy with God becomes less about how much you say and more about how closely you listen.
• 4:43
  [SPEAKER_00]: Prayer shifts from long speeches to a quiet, attentive heart.
• 4:47
  [SPEAKER_00]: When you open your Bible, you come with a simple prayer.
• 4:50
  [SPEAKER_00]: What do you want me to know today, Lord?
• 4:52
  [SPEAKER_00]: And then you slow down enough to listen.
• 4:54
  [SPEAKER_00]: A phrase lingers, one word seems to glow, and you carry it with you as you fold the laundry or sin in the car.
• 5:02
  [SPEAKER_00]: And somewhere in those ordinary moments guide speaks, bringing comfort, clarity, or direction.
• 5:09
  [SPEAKER_00]: You recognize his voice because you've walked with him long enough to know his tone.
• 5:13
  [SPEAKER_00]: You settle into his presence and whisper,
• 5:19
  [SPEAKER_00]: number three, you know praying God's will comes first.
• 5:24
  [SPEAKER_00]: As the years go by, the need to have things your way begins to loosen its grip.
• 5:29
  [SPEAKER_00]: You're no longer bargaining with God, trying to convince him to give you the answer you want.
• 5:35
  [SPEAKER_00]: You've lived long enough to know your version of yes, isn't always his best yes.
• 5:41
  [SPEAKER_00]: Your prayers start to sound different,
• 5:46
  [SPEAKER_00]: What is your heart in this lord?
• 5:48
  [SPEAKER_00]: You care less about getting your way and more about walking and step with him.
• 5:53
  [SPEAKER_00]: Pleasing him becomes your desire, not out of pressure, but out of love and emotion.
• 5:59
  [SPEAKER_00]: You've seen his faithfulness too many times to cling tightly to your own plans.
• 6:05
  [SPEAKER_00]: So you begin to live with open hands and a willing heart.
• 6:08
  [SPEAKER_00]: You're no longer afraid of surrender,
• 6:14
  [SPEAKER_00]: The fourth way, you know, intimacy with God deepens is that you don't leave God in your morning.
• 6:21
  [SPEAKER_00]: You may still love your quiet morning routine.
• 6:24
  [SPEAKER_00]: That's soft light.
• 6:25
  [SPEAKER_00]: The open Bible, the warm mug in your hands.
• 6:28
  [SPEAKER_00]: I do love it so much.
• 6:29
  [SPEAKER_00]: But as you grow older, you realize God was never meant to stay tucked inside your quiet time.
• 6:37
  [SPEAKER_00]: You start to notice him everywhere in the pink glow of the sunset in the giggle of your grandchild.
• 6:42
  [SPEAKER_00]: in the smell of bread in the oven.
• 6:44
  [SPEAKER_00]: These ordinary moments feel like little of notes from God.
• 6:48
  [SPEAKER_00]: You carry his presence into every task in conversation.
• 6:52
  [SPEAKER_00]: You pause over a basket of laundry and whisper a thank you.
• 6:56
  [SPEAKER_00]: You sense his delight as you care for your newborn grandbaby.
• 6:59
  [SPEAKER_00]: And as the sun sets on an evening walk with your husband, you feel a quiet awe.
• 7:05
  [SPEAKER_00]: God carried you through another day.
• 7:06
  [SPEAKER_00]: You didn't leave him in the morning.
• 7:09
  [SPEAKER_00]: You walked with him the whole way.
• 7:12
  [SPEAKER_00]: Hey, parents.
• 7:13
  [SPEAKER_00]: Easter is almost here.
• 7:14
  [SPEAKER_00]: Can you believe it?
• 7:14
  [SPEAKER_00]: Are you looking for a meaningful way to deepen your grandkids' relationship with God?
• 7:19
  [SPEAKER_00]: While making their Easter baskets special this year?
• 7:22
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• 7:26
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• 7:31
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• 7:37
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• 7:42
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• 7:53
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• 8:03
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• 8:04
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• 8:11
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• 8:18
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• 8:18
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• 8:22
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• 8:25
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• 8:27
  [SPEAKER_00]: Now, let's get back to our conversation.
• 8:31
  [SPEAKER_00]: The fifth way your intimacy with God grows as you get older is that you know there are unique ways to connect with God.
• 8:37
  [SPEAKER_00]: As you grow older, you stop trying to copy everyone else's spiritual life.
• 8:43
  [SPEAKER_00]: You're no longer chasing the perfect quiet time or wondering why your relationship with God doesn't look like hers.
• 8:49
  [SPEAKER_00]: You've learned intimacy with God isn't one size of its own.
• 8:54
  [SPEAKER_00]: Maybe you feel closest to him on a long walk.
• 8:57
  [SPEAKER_00]: Maybe it's while journaling or exercising or cooking or singing at church or sitting quietly with a verse that won't leave your mind.
• 9:07
  [SPEAKER_00]: You realize God meets you in the places that feel most like you.
• 9:11
  [SPEAKER_00]: The pressure to do it right fades.
• 9:14
  [SPEAKER_00]: And what remains is a relationship that feels honest, warm, and deeply real.
• 9:19
  [SPEAKER_00]: You're not trying to look spiritual, you're simply learning how to walk with God, in the way he designed you to.
• 9:25
  [SPEAKER_00]: Number six, you trust God to guide your steps.
• 9:30
  [SPEAKER_00]: As you grow older, the fear of making the wrong move begins to fade.
• 9:34
  [SPEAKER_00]: You've seen how God works behind the scenes weaving even your missteps into something good.
• 9:40
  [SPEAKER_00]: The constant worry about missing his well is replaced with a quiet confidence.
• 9:45
  [SPEAKER_00]: God speaks and he faithfully guides hearts that are turned toward him.
• 9:49
  [SPEAKER_00]: You notice his direction in simple ways.
• 9:52
  [SPEAKER_00]: A verse stands out.
• 9:53
  [SPEAKER_00]: A moment of silence brings clarity.
• 9:55
  [SPEAKER_00]: A wise friend speaks truth at the right time.
• 9:57
  [SPEAKER_00]: These gentle nudges become familiar signs of his leaning.
• 10:02
  [SPEAKER_00]: You're no longer paralyzed by fear, so that a relief, you know God is bigger than your wrong turns.
• 10:09
  [SPEAKER_00]: As long as your heart stays soft and attentive, you trust he will make your path straight.
• 10:15
  [SPEAKER_00]: So you move forward with steady surrendered confidence.
• 10:19
  [SPEAKER_00]: He knows the way.
• 10:21
  [SPEAKER_00]: And number seven, you rest in God's trustworthiness.
• 10:25
  [SPEAKER_00]: By this stage of life, you've walked with God long enough to know who he is.
• 10:29
  [SPEAKER_00]: That just in theory, but from the evidence of your own story, you've seen his faithfulness up close.
• 10:36
  [SPEAKER_00]: You've watched him carry you through heartbreak, uncertainty, and seasons you never would have chosen, and because of that, you trust him.
• 10:44
  [SPEAKER_00]: You know he's reliable, steadfast, and true.
• 10:49
  [SPEAKER_00]: everything he does flows from his love and wisdom.
• 10:53
  [SPEAKER_00]: Again and again, you've watched him work all things together for good.
• 10:57
  [SPEAKER_00]: So when the next trial comes, you're not at shaken, your feet are planted on the firm foundation of Jesus.
• 11:06
  [SPEAKER_00]: Sorry, guys, it's just so it's so tender to me the faithfulness of the Lord.
• 11:13
  [SPEAKER_00]: And here's the great thing.
• 11:14
  [SPEAKER_00]: Even his correction feels different.
• 11:16
  [SPEAKER_00]: It no longer scares you.
• 11:18
  [SPEAKER_00]: You recognize it as loving discipline from a good father.
• 11:22
  [SPEAKER_00]: And instead of running from it, you welcome it because you know it always draws you closer to him.
• 11:27
  [SPEAKER_00]: We can't imagine a sweeter season with the Lord than this one.
• 11:32
  [SPEAKER_00]: So many of the childish fears and striving ways have fallen away.
• 11:36
  [SPEAKER_00]: Replace with quiet confidence and deep trust.
• 11:40
  [SPEAKER_00]: We've learned to move through our days with God instead of erasing ahead of him, knowing his faithful presence will carry us through whatever comes.
• 11:49
  [SPEAKER_00]: The worries that once kept us up at night feel smaller in the light of his love.
• 11:54
  [SPEAKER_00]: We've seen too much of his goodness to doubt him now.
• 11:57
  [SPEAKER_00]: And perhaps that's one of the greatest gifts of growing older, a heart at rest, anchored in steady, trustworthy love of God.
• 12:10
  [SPEAKER_00]: So here's your coaching tip of the week.
• 12:14
  [SPEAKER_00]: In each episode, I will give you one actionable step to improve your life.
• 12:17
  [SPEAKER_00]: Remember, you can't change everything, but you can take one step to be better.
• 12:21
  [SPEAKER_00]: The next time you're open your Bible with God, I want you to ask him this question.
• 12:27
  [SPEAKER_00]: What do you want me to know today?
• 12:29
  [SPEAKER_00]: And then listen, for his still small voice guiding you to a passage, and then read it, and journal what God is telling you.
• 12:37
  [SPEAKER_00]: If this episode resonated with you, I'd love for you to share it with a friend who's in this season too.
• 12:44
  [SPEAKER_00]: And remember, this isn't a season of spiritual decline.
• 12:48
  [SPEAKER_00]: It is a season of deepening.
• 12:50
  [SPEAKER_00]: Grace and peace, Mama.
• 12:52
  [SPEAKER_00]: You've got this and God's got you.
• 12:54
  [SPEAKER_00]: Thank you so much for spending time with me on the Midlife Mama Podcast.
• 12:58
  [SPEAKER_00]: My hope is that you leave each episode feeling encouraged, grounded and clearer.
• 13:04
  [SPEAKER_00]: Clearer about what you're feeling, what God may be stirring in you, and how to move forward in the season of the empty nest.
• 13:10
  [SPEAKER_00]: Through these conversations, I'm not just sharing stories, I'm coaching you, helping you name what's happening beneath the service, challenging the thoughts that keep you stuck and take intentional steps toward peace and confidence as a midlife mom.
• 13:25
  [SPEAKER_00]: If you're ready to go deeper and want personalized coaching support, I invite you to apply for coaching.
• 13:31
  [SPEAKER_00]: Coaching is a focused one-on-one space where we work together to gain clarity,
• 13:36
  [SPEAKER_00]: Process emotions and discern what God is calling you to in this next chapter.
• 13:41
  [SPEAKER_00]: You'll find the application linked in the show notes and let's stay connected.
• 13:45
  [SPEAKER_00]: You can find me on Instagram at P-Hinklman that's P-H-E-N-K-E-L-M-A-N or on Facebook at Pamela Hinklman M-T-Nest Coach.
• 13:56
  [SPEAKER_00]: You don't have to figure out the season alone mama.
• 14:00
  [SPEAKER_00]: Support and direction are possible and I'm here when you're ready.