240. How to Trust God When You Can't Control the Outcome with Fiction Writer Cheryl Esper Balcom

What happens when the life you've carefully built suddenly falls apart? In this final episode of the Her Next Chapter series, Pamela sits down with author Cheryl Esper Balcom to discuss her novel Mother of the Year and the powerful themes of grief, surrender, faith, and letting go of control. If you're navigating change in midlife or learning to trust God with what you can't control, this conversation will encourage your heart.HELPFUL LINKS: Cheryl's Novel: Mother of the Year hereCheryl's Website hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

What emotional baggage have you been carrying for far too long? In this episode of the Her Next Chapter series, Pamela talks with Lisa Najarian, founder of the You Go Girl movement and author of Girl, Unpack That!, about why women often carry unresolved hurts alone and how friendship and honesty can help us find healing. If you're ready to let go of what's weighing you down and step into your next chapter with greater freedom, this conversation is for you.HELPFUL LINKS: Lisa's book, Girl, Unpack That! hereLisa's website, You Go, Girl hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

In this episode of the Her Next Chapter series, Pamela sits down with mentor, coach, and bestselling author Alli Worthington to talk about Alli’s passion to help women grow! Together, they explore why your best years may still be ahead and how to make personal growth a priority this season. Learn about Alli’s Wise Woman Method and Catalyst Circles.HELPFUL LINKS: Get Alli's Wise Woman Method on Substack hereLearn more about Alli's Catalyst Mastermind hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Do you feel confident about your finances as you head into the next chapter of life? Crystal Paine, founder of Money Saving Mom and author of The 7 Habits of Financially Healthy Women, joins Pamela to talk about simple financial habits, overcoming money stress, and building greater financial confidence in midlife.HELPFUL LINKS: Crystals' Free 5- Day Budget Makeover hereCrystals' blog Money Saving Mom hereCrystals' Instagram hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Weight gain during perimenopause and menopause can feel confusing, especially when the strategies that worked for years suddenly stop working. In this premiere episode of Her Next Chapter, Dr. Heather Awad explains why midlife weight gain happens, the health risks associated with menopause belly fat, why "eat less and move more" often falls short, what to know about weight-loss medications like Ozempic, and practical ways women can improve their health during this season.HELPFUL LINKS: Dr. Heather's website hereDr Heather's Instagram hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Many parents dream about the day their children launch into adulthood, but for families raising children with special needs, the empty nest may look very different. In this episode, Cindi and Joe Ferrini share insights from their new book Special Needs Parenting and discuss the unique challenges and blessings of caring for a child with special needs into adulthood. We talk about grief, marriage, finding joy on an unexpected journey, and trusting God when your parenting role doesn't unfold as you imagined.HELPFUL LINKS: Cindy Ferrini's website hereThe Special Needs Parent hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Why does letting go of our children hurt so much, even when they're exactly where they're supposed to be? In this episode, Pamela sits down with author Lisa Appelo to discuss her new book, God of Comfort, and the very real grief that accompanies the transitions of motherhood. Together, they explore why empty nest grief is often misunderstood, how God meets us in our sorrow, and what it looks like to trust Him as our roles as mothers change.HELPFUL LINKS: Lisa's Book: God of Comfort hereLisa's Instagram hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Sending your child to college is one of the biggest transitions of motherhood, especially when you're wondering if they'll continue to follow Jesus once they're on their own. In this episode,  Pamela talks with author Paul Worcester about how parents can encourage their college students to develop a faith that lasts. You'll learn practical ways to support your child, pray with confidence, and trust God as they begin this new chapter.HELPFUL LINKS: Paul Bible Study for College Students: Thrive hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

Dropping your child off at college is one of the most emotional milestones of motherhood. In this episode, Pamela shares six reasons this transition hurts so much and offers biblical encouragement to help you navigate the grief, trust God with your emerging adult, and embrace this new season with hope.HELPFUL LINKS: Free Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here

What do you do when your adult child walks away from faith? In this hopeful conversation, I’m joined by Steve and Jenia Williams, parents of Christian artist Zach Williams and authors of God’s Heart for the Prodigal. After walking through more than a decade of heartbreak and prayer for their wandering son, they share biblical encouragement and hope for moms loving a prodigal adult child.HELPFUL LINKS: William's Book: God's Heart for the Prodigal hereFree Guide: Journaling Through Transitional Grief hereApply for Coaching with certified Empty Nest Coach, Pamela hereTake the free 2-minute Quiz hereReview + Rate podcast hereFollow Pamela on Instagram hereFollow Pamela on Facebook herePamela's website with free resources here