What do you do when someone you love deeply lets you down? When unmet expectations leave quiet but lasting wounds? In this episode of Empty Nester Life, Jacki and Mark talk candidly about forgiveness — not the dramatic kind, but the quiet, everyday kind. The kind that creeps into marriages, friendships, and family relationships when people don’t show up the way we hoped they would.

This conversation is inspired by the chapter on forgiveness from the Re|engage Marriage Program, a powerful Christ-centered resource designed to help couples reconnect and strengthen their marriages.
👉 Learn more at https://reengage.org
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We’ll talk through:

• Why disappointment cuts so deep
• How unforgiveness quietly shapes your present
• Why forgiveness doesn’t excuse what happened — it frees you
• Practical ways to start forgiving someone who’s let you down
• How to move toward healing in your marriage or other close relationships

🙏 FREE Prayer for Forgiveness:

Whether you’re navigating forgiveness in your marriage, your family, or your friendships, this episode will help you find the courage to release what’s been weighing you down and take your next step toward healing.

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Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
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Looking for fresh date night inspiration now that the nest is empty? In this episode of Empty Nester Life, we’re sharing 3 fun, affordable, and memorable date night ideas you can try this week!

✨ Here’s what we cover:

1. At-Home Experiences – from indoor picnics to backyard stargazing.
2. Local Exploration – discover hidden gems like hiking trails, farmers markets, and cozy cafés.
3. Activity-Centered Overnight Trips – make a concert, festival, or special event the centerpiece of a quick getaway.

Whether you’re staying in, exploring your town, or planning an overnight adventure, these ideas will bring connection, fun, and new memories into your relationship.

👍 If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share with other empty nesters looking for inspiration.

💬 We’d love to hear YOUR favorite date night idea—drop it in the comments below!

#EmptyNesterLife #DateNightIdeas #EmptyNestAdventures

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife

Dogs aren’t just pets — they’re family. 🐶 In this heartfelt episode, we explore how dogs teach us about love, loyalty, presence, and even faith.

We’ll talk about:

• Why dogs are often the emotional heart of a home ❤️
• How they comfort us without words and reduce loneliness
• The way dogs model loyalty, protection, and responsibility 🛡️
• What unconditional love looks like — and how it reflects God’s love for us
• Lessons dogs quietly teach us about living fully and loving freely

Whether you’re a lifelong dog lover or simply curious about the bond between humans and animals, this episode will remind you of the simple, powerful ways dogs shape our lives and families.

💭 Reflection Prompt: What has a dog taught you about love or loyalty? Share your story in the comments or tag us online — we’d love to hear it.

✨ Quote: “A dog is the only thing on earth that loves you more than he loves himself.” – Josh Billings

🎧 Listen now and maybe go pet your dog.

Support the show

Thanks for listening to Empty Nester Life: The Podcast!
Follow us on Instagram at Instagram.com/EmptyNesterLifePodcast
Watch full episodes on YouTube: YouTube.com/@EmptyNesterLife
Join us on Facebook: facebook.com/ouremptynesterlife
And catch behind-the-scenes on TikTok: @emptynesterlife