Empty Nesting On Purpose (2024)

05/02/2024

He still speaks. ❤️
I am in 2 Corinthians this year and on my date this morning I was reminded in 12:9 Paul actually records words he heard God speak to him. 🤯🥳🙌
Some people think I’m crazy when I say I go on a date w God each week. And that I hear God speak to me, but He does. Friends, this hearing Him, this knowing His voice, has come from years and years of building a relationship with Him. 🥹🙌❤️
Years of
❤️ prioritizing time alone w Him
❤️ akward silence waiting for Him to speak
❤️ delighting in His humor
❤️ tears falling from my eyes from his incredible love and grace
❤️ peace from him take my burdens from me
❤️ frustration as He encourages me - yet again- to trust Him
❤️ nuggets and nuggets of wisdom that are so valuable to me that I write out every conversation and fit every journal in my luggage for Alaska.
❤️His honest truth when I would have preferred him just agree w me. 😅💁‍♀️
❤️ Him delighting in me just being me and reminding me again and again, “I made you this way on purpose my precious special sparkle.”🥹

Sweet friend, he l wants to speak to you too. ❤️ take the time to build a relationship with the Lord all by yourself- just you and Him. You won’t regret it.
He still speaks ❤️

29/11/2023

Y’all today’s a special day. 🥹❤️

25 years today ❤️🥹 so grateful, still so smitten 😅💁‍♀️ and can hardly believe we are celebrating it in our home in Alaska on this adventure with God?! 🙌

With so many new friends this year, thought y’all might enjoy our story:

Right before I went to college I told God that I would never marry, never have kids and never leave the country. 😅 just tell God never? Right?! 😅💁‍♀️

A few weeks later I met Luke. The first time I shook this guys hand, God said *AUDIBLY TO ME* “he’s the one”. He was … not my “type”😂and I wasn’t his either. But God, right?! 💁‍♀️

I then spent the next 3 months trying to avoid him certain that I would screw up God’s plan by being myself. 😬😜

Then one night as we were leaving a meeting, the Holy Spirit told me to hug him. Against all better judgement I asked if I could hug him. 😳 Gals, it.was.MAGICAL. Like heaven was in the middle of that hug. ❤️😊

To this day he says that was the moment his love awoke for me. A year later we were married. We married so young - both 19 - but what a blessing to get grow and become with your best friend?!

And those things that we thought made us not each other’s type are the very things we have to come to love and respect about the other and have made us stronger. Amen ❤️🙌

I am entirely blessed and entirely thankful God knew what He was doing when he matched us up and that His love has been the glue that has kept us together through the years. 🥹❤️🙌

29/11/2023

Y’all today’s a special day. 🥹❤️

25 years today ❤️🥹 so grateful, still so smitten 😅💁‍♀️ and can hardly believe we are celebrating it in our home in Alaska on this adventure with God?! 🙌

With so many new friends this year, thought y’all might enjoy our story:

Right before I went to college I told God that I would never marry, never have kids and never leave the country. 😅 just tell God never? Right?! 😅💁‍♀️

A few weeks later I met Luke. The first time I shook this guys hand, God said *AUDIBLY TO ME* “he’s the one”. He was … not my “type”😂and I wasn’t his either. But God, right?! 💁‍♀️

I then spent the next 3 months trying to avoid him certain that I would screw up God’s plan by being myself. 😬😜

Then one night as we were leaving a meeting, the Holy Spirit told me to hug him. Against all better judgement I asked if I could hug him. 😳 Gals, it.was.MAGICAL. Like heaven was in the middle of that hug. ❤️😊

To this day he says that was the moment his love awoke for me. A year later we were married. We married so young - both 19 - but what a blessing to get grow and become with your best friend?!

And those things that we thought made us not each other’s type are the very things we have to come to love and respect about the other and have made us stronger. Amen ❤️🙌

I am entirely blessed and entirely thankful God knew what He was doing when he matched us up and that His love has been the glue that has kept us together through the years. 🥹❤️🙌

20/11/2023

We knew Luke had a stirring on his heart for us to move to Alaska, so when we finally got to see Alaska on a cruise in 2022 it was about going to a place where a piece of our dreams were at. So glad we went.

The kind people, crisp air and stunning views just confirmed in our heart what we we knew - that we were going to be moving to Alaska.

After that cruise, we wished and wanted for a long time, but God's timing was impeccable and it was a real blessing to have tasted where he was sending us before we got here.

So glad to be here.

19/11/2023

Interesting question, right?! We had never thought of it until it one Saturday morning date.
We were enjoying our breakfast and talking about our upcoming week and dreams for the future and all the sudden we realized Utopia, Tx is only about an hours drive away... FRIENDS that was a BIG deal, because the small group Luke was wanting to start in Alaska, Links Players, well, we learned about them from watching a movie called 7 Days in Utopia.

Our day was pretty full, but the house had already sold, so we knew time was running short and decided to hop in the car and go feel the place where the dream in Luke's heart began.

It was special. ❤

You can hear all about it in episode 9 of Empty Nesting on Purpose, link in bio. 😁👍🥳

So, friends, where is a place YOU would like to go that goes with the dreams of your heart? Share below, friends, we'd love to hear. 👇❤

Cheering you on, Luke + Melissa

19/11/2023

We saw the power of having professionals help with our home and it was AMAZING how much it transformed - swipe thru to see a few rooms. 😁❤

The day our house got staged, we grabbed the dog and took a mid-week beach date. ❤ So much fun - in fact we talk about it in Episode 7 on the Empty Nesting On Purpose Podcast.

Sometimes having someone from the outside - professional or not - look in and give a different perspective can put it all into place can't it?!

The friend with the good eye you can bring over and say, " I am thinking this..... but...." and she comes up with a whole idea from that.
Or the mama - aka my mom - that I can say "I really want a wreath for my door... I got all the stuff... but I can't figure out how to make it look right" and then give her a glue gun and in 20 minutes I have a wreath done on my door.

I just love the reminder that when we use our superpowers and let others use theirs too, we are stronger together. Share your story in the comments! 👇

❤️

18/11/2023

Ok, friends, can we just give a shout out to all the amazing service providers that are such pro's at their job and make us look so good when we work with them?!

In fact, I heard the other day you can hire people to come decorate your house for Christmas AND another person to wrap your Christmas gifts too! 🤯🥳🎄❤🎄 I mean I LOVE to enjoy all the Christmas things, but not the biggest fan of wrestling the Christmas tree and garland to get it all set up. - the seed has been planted my friends. 🌱😁🥳

LOL and you may be surprised what yall come up with ... 😁 Luke's was to get a vocal coach to help him prep to try out for the worship team. I ended up picking a wardrobe assistant to help me look cool for our photoshoot. 😁😎

What about yall? We'd love to hear what yall come up with. ❤

17/11/2023

We are always looking for fun games for 2 people, have any recommendations?
Finding a way to be entertained in the empty nesting season is a THING. What is yalls favorite way to hang out at home? We got COVID a few years back and when the brain fog hit we decided that counting to 12 everyday was a good idea. :) So started playing Skipbo while we drank our coffee in the morning and it totally STUCK. :)

❤️

17/11/2023

It was amazing how much our timetable moved up as we let go of control and let other people help us get ready to move. It was like having a wish something would be done in the morning and coming home later to it done. 😁👍🥳 So, the question for yalls next date night from episode 7 is: if you could snap your finger and have a project done, what would it be? ANYTHING. :)
Wishing yall a great date! Luke + Melissa ❤

17/11/2023

This was a fun date question for us: if you were moving far, FAR away and could only take 3 non-essentials, what would they be?

This shell was one of the items I brought with me to Alaska.
You see, this shell, was from a special moment.

I was on a walk on the beach while at a retreat at Gulf Shores, AL and as I walked all I saw were broken shells as I waited for the sun to rise. In frustration I asked God, "ugh, could I please have a shell that isn't broken?"

To which he replied, "If I want you to have a non-broken shell, you will get one, but in the meantime, just be here in this moment with me. No planning, no searching or brainstormings, just be. You + me."

So I did.

A little later I had a question but didn't want to push it, but went ahead and asked, "but Lord, how will I KNOW if you are giving me a shell?"

To which he replied.. "you'll know." (I could almost hear the chuckle and shaking his head as he replied)

We continued walking the beach and watched a stunning sunrise. Then I turned around and was heading back to my car and as I walked a wave came and went and there in front of me was this stunning shell.

Our Heavenly Father is so kind and generous, and every time I see this shell I reminded of how close He is to each of us - to me. So, yep, this shell, was one of my 3 things. What is one of your 3 things?

16/11/2023

Hey friends! 🎙️ Episode 6 of Empty Nesting on Purpose is a rollercoaster of emotions and laughs as we share about telling the kids and the process of beginning to let go of our things. 🏔️

We talk downsizing, selling, and giving away stuff – the whole decluttering saga. 😅 Discover the surprises we unearthed in the attic, including a box labeled "Hannah's Childhood." 🎁 Cue the sentimental feels! 🥰

We talk about how our neighborhood's reaction to the bulk trash pickup day, and trust me, it's not your average pick up day story. 🚚💨

The episode's heart lies in the faith, family, and courage to let go. 🙏💖 Luke and Melissa's move becomes an inspiring tale of embracing change, letting go and stepping into the unknown. 🌈

Press play, and join the adventure! 🚀 Link in bio.

15/11/2023

This is the view from where I start of my favorite time of day. I have a special chair and my Bible and journal nearby and I spend the time praying and renewing my mind in the morning to remember whose I am and who I am in Christ. Soaking in the LORD and His word and whatever He would share with me in that time. For Luke, he journals at a local Christian coffee shop that is for guys and spends time there encouraging others too. LOL, can you tell who the extrovert and introvert are? :) Where/when do you like to spend time to be with our Lord?

15/11/2023

Hey, Friends! In Episode 5, we share about how our unique God-given superpowers really helped us to the turn the page on *hoping and waiting to now *GOING to Alaska. Now, we're turning the spotlight to YOU! 🌟 What's your superpower from God? AND if you and your spouse could have "classic" super hero powers, what would yall choose and how would yall use it to make the world a better place? 💥✨⁣🦸‍♂️🦸‍♀️ We would LOVE to hear what yall come up with, but even more so that yall enjoyed talking thru these questions on your date this week. :)

15/11/2023

One thing I LOVE about us is that we really do dance in the kitchen together. We have 2 songs and if either of us turn it on, it's time to take a minute and just be in the moment and dance together. ❤
We started it right around our 20th anniversary and still going strong. In fact, last year at the Christmas gala Luke requested the band play our song and they did and I tell ya, it was like the whole world faded away as we danced. 🥰
Do yall have a song that yall love to dance to?
I'll share our 2 songs in the comments, would LOVE to hear yours too.

12/11/2023

🌟 Dream Guardians
In the beginning of it all, in San Antonio, Tx, Luke and Melissa Dickey became dream guardians, cultivating a vision that sprouted in the fertile soil of their hearts. This journey taught them the art of dream protection – a delicate dance of secrecy and nurturing before unveiling to the world. 🌱✨

Every dream is a tender seed, susceptible to the winds of doubt and external influences. In a pivotal phase of their adventure, Luke and Melissa held their vision close, allowing it to take root in the rich soil of intentionality and prayer. This clandestine period became a sacred space for research, cultural immersion, and alignment with the rhythm of Alaska's wild beauty.

The lesson? Dreams, like fragile blooms, need protection before their full glory is revealed. It's about understanding, cherishing, and giving them the time and space to blossom.

As empty nesters, this stage became not just about a physical relocation, but a mental and spiritual rewiring. Luke and Melissa's journey echoes the sentiment that dreams, when guarded with intention, become more than mere aspirations – they become anchors of purpose, grounding us in the vision God has placed in our hearts.

So, dear dreamers, what dreams are you protecting? Share below and let's celebrate the beauty of being guardians of our most cherished aspirations. 🌈💫

11/11/2023

Hey friends, In Episode 3 of the Empty Nesting on Purpose podcast, we share how redefining our future took a lot of thought work!

https://www.emptynestingonpurpose.com/podcasts/empty-nesting-on-purpose/episodes/2148187509

🤔 Challenging the Status Quo: Before we could redefine our future, we had to challenge the status quo. Thought work involved questioning the norms, examining societal expectations, and daring to dream beyond the conventional path.

💡 Identifying Core Values: Thought work led us to a profound exploration of our core values. We unpacked what truly mattered to us, resulting in the discovery of our guiding principles—faith and freedom. These values became the foundation for every decision.

🏔️ Dreaming Big Dreams: Redefining our future was not just about making practical decisions; it was about envisioning a life beyond the ordinary. Thought work involved daring to dream big dreams, allowing our imagination to paint a picture of the life we desired.

🗣️ Open Conversations and Reflections: The podcast episode unravels the candid conversations and reflections that occurred during our journey. Thought work meant being open to each other's perspectives, considering the impact of our choices, and constantly reassessing our path.

🏡 Aligning with what we hope for our future: Imagining where we wanted to be in the future allowed us to reverse engineer our goals, creating a roadmap that aligned with our aspirations.

In a nutshell, redefining our future was a result of intentional thought work—a process of introspection, challenging assumptions, and crafting a vision that resonated with our deepest desires. Tune in to Episode 3 for an in-depth exploration of this transformative journey! 🎙️✨

10/11/2023

Need help defining your core values? Inside our "elevate your date night" freebie is a list of core values - https://www.emptynestingonpurpose.com/

Go thru the list the first time with little thought and cross out ones that aren't a definite yes. Then go thru again and again until you settle on 3.

Now, take those 3 and right out what each value means to you. Have your spouse do this too and share yalls answers on your date. We really enjoyed seeing how we have similar values but different ones too.

09/11/2023

Make time to dream! ✨ Life is full of beautiful possibilities waiting to be explored. "

08/11/2023

🎙️ What Dreams Are Made Of 🏞️
https://www.emptynestingonpurpose.com/podcasts/empty-nesting-on-purpose/episodes/2148171191
💭 Have you ever had a dream so compelling it kept you up at night? In Episode 2 of "Empty Nesting on Purpose," we dive into the dreams and desires that brought us to the majestic landscapes of Alaska.

🌟 Luke's dream and the unforgettable "deer story" are just the beginning of this exciting journey. It's a testament to the power of faith and embracing the desires placed in our hearts.

Don't miss this episode! 🎧 https://www.emptynestingonpurpose.com/podcasts/empty-nesting-on-purpose/episodes/2148171191

07/11/2023

We're taking you back to where our journey unfolded, with the very question that set our hearts on a new adventure:

"What if retirement could begin at any time, shaped exactly as we desire it to be? What does that look like for us?"

For us, it was the gateway to dreams we hadn't dared to voice. It's where we started to sketch a life not defined by age or expectation, but by faith and longing.

Now, it's your turn. Give your spouse this question ahead of time and get ready to have a conversation you won't soon forget! Sit down with your love, let the world fade away for a moment, and ask each other, "What's our vision?"

Is it epic Christmas gatherings? A mission trip to lands that stir your soul? Joining the board of a local non-profit? A small business born from your passion? 🏡✈️🧡Share them with each other.

It's amazing to share your dreams with your spouse knowing you can trust them with your hopes. Your vision is a seed. Plant it. Nurture it. Watch it grow.

And if you feel inspired to share, we're right here to listen and cheer you on! Because your story is the melody that will make someone else's dreams dance too! We are stronger together. ❤

06/11/2023

Woo-hoo! Our very FIRST podcast episode is out, and it's as cozy and inspiring as your favorite Saturday morning ritual. ☕🎧

In this heart-to-heart chat, we dive into:

🌟 The magic of dreaming together as a couple
🌟 Our personal recipe for Saturday morning dates that keep love fresh
🌟 A candid talk on redefining retirement - hint: it's not one-size-fits-all!

Whether you're getting ready for your day or on your way to work, join us as we share our journey to empty nesting on purpose. 🥞✨

🔗 Link in bio. Let’s make every moment count!

05/11/2023

🌟 Elevate Your Date Night: Reconnect & Dream Big Together! 🌟 https://www.emptynestingonpurpose.com

We are BIG fans of weekly dates. We started it when the kids were teens. We NEEDED to remember our relationship and making our dates a priority helped us do that. It's a time for us to reconnect each week, encourage each other on the journey and also dream big together.

However, our weekly dates use to be a bit dull. We would eat a meal together and enjoy each others company, but that was it. One week we decided we needed to take our conversation to the next level and it started with the simple question, "how are you?"

The rule was we had to take turns asking and then listening to what the other person said. Over time we began asking random and then more deep questions on our dates. And from those questions began our journey to living our empty nesting life on purpose.

Ready to add a sprinkle of excitement to your date as well? We've crafted something special just for you. ✨

Introducing our "Elevate your date night" 10 questions to help you reconnect and rediscover the dreams you share. These questions are easy, heartfelt, and can lead to conversations full of hope and vision for your future. 🌟

Think of them as keys that unlock the dreams you've both been holding onto, especially now that the house is a bit quieter. We do about 1 question a week.

Grab a cup of coffee ☕ or find your favorite spot, and let these questions guide you into conversations that matter. It's about getting back to "us" and looking forward to all the beautiful moments to come.

Ready to dive in? Just click the link in our bio for your free guide. Let's make those date nights truly count!

✨ Dream big.
✨ Laugh often.
✨ Love more.

And it all starts with "how are you" .... and maybe a question... or ten! 😊

To grab your free set simply click the link in our bio. Let the heart-to-heart adventures begin!

04/11/2023

Have you ever heard the joke about the couple who moved from Texas to Alaska?
Oh, wait, that’s not a joke. That’s our actual LIFE!

Hey there, we are Luke and Melissa Dickey. It took us a while to find the dreams of our heart in this season, but with some prayer, some deep questions and a whole lot of faith, we did and started pursing them.

We know not everyone is heading to Alaska, but we are all here on purpose and the Empty nesting season is a GREAT season to dream big dreams and make them happen!

If you are Christian couple who are empty nesters or will be soon, come join us each week on the Empty Nesting On Purpose Podcast where we share our journey and ideas to help you dream big with your spouse too!

We encourage you to head to the link in our bio and check out our show! Episodes ring in around 10-15 minutes, perfect for that morning commute!!

We pray hearing our story inspires you to dream big with God and to not be afraid of choosing the unconventional route in life!

Happy listening, sweet friends!

Empty Nesting On Purpose

05/02/2024

29/11/2023

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