Advertise on podcast: She Lives Purposefully

Have you ever felt like you’ve drifted away from God? Maybe life got busy with school, work, or responsibilities, and before you realized it, your relationship with God wasn’t as close as it once was. If that’s you, please know: you are not alone. In this Mini Encouragement episode (under 20 minutes), we answer a listener question from someone in grad school who wants to reignite their faith and reconnect with God after drifting away. First and foremost, if you feel a desire to come back to God, that is a beautiful sign that He is drawing you closer again. In this episode we talk about simple, practical ways to begin rebuilding your faith, even during busy or overwhelming seasons of life. God is always ready to meet you. LINKS:  Hosanna Revival (SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY for extra 10% off): https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully  Bible Reading Plans: https://www.shelivespurposefully.com/resources/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Life can get busy—really busy. Between work, family, responsibilities, and everyday life, it can sometimes feel difficult to find time to sit down and spend intentional time with God. If you’ve ever wondered: How do I keep seeking God when life feels overwhelming? This Mini Encouragement episode (under 15 minutes) is for you. The truth is that every season of life looks different. Some seasons allow for long quiet mornings with the Lord, while others feel full from the moment you wake up. But even in the busiest seasons, God still invites us to seek Him. In this episode we talk about practical ways to stay spiritually connected when life is full, including: ✨ Giving yourself grace during different seasons of life ✨ Finding creative ways to stay in God’s Word daily ✨ Listening to Scripture through apps like Dwell or the Bible App while driving, cooking, or cleaning ✨ Making prayer a constant conversation with God throughout your day ✨ Being intentional about the content you allow into your life One of the most encouraging reminders from Scripture is that we are called to “pray without ceasing.” When life feels full, it becomes even more important to fill our minds with things that point us toward Christ. Choose the things of God instead of letting the noise of the world fill those spaces. If you’re in a busy season of life, this episode is a reminder that seeking God may look different right now—but it is still possible and still deeply important. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Working a busy job or having a busy life can make it difficult to stay connected to church, maintain community, and keep up with godly habits that grow you in your walk with Christ. In this Mini Encouragement episode (under 20 minutes), we’re answering a thoughtful question from a listener who works as a night shift nurse and is trying to faithfully pursue her walk with Christ despite an opposite schedule from most people. We know many people face this same challenge. In this Q&A episode with Donny, we talk about how to stay spiritually grounded even when your schedule looks very different from the typical 9-to-5 lifestyle. We discuss: How to stay connected to church community even in a busy season or life Why rest and grace for yourself are still important Practical ways to make the most of the limited church time you do have Why community may look different during certain seasons of life Guarding your spiritual health through intentional media choices We also talk honestly about media consumption as Christians. With many movies and shows becoming increasingly explicit, it can be difficult to know what to watch. And we share a few shows we’ve recently enjoyed that don’t compromise our convictions, including House of David. If you’re trying to faithfully follow Jesus while navigating a busy schedule, shift work, or cultural pressures, this episode is for you. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Do you ever feel like certain comments or criticisms hit you way harder than they should? Maybe someone says something about your appearance, parenting, work, or choices, and suddenly you feel hurt, defensive, or deeply offended. In this mini encouragement episode (under 20 minutes), we talk about something God has been convicting me about lately: how easily I can become offended—and what Scripture reveals about why that happens. Often, offense is connected to insecurity. When someone criticizes an area where we already feel unsure, it can sting deeply. But when we’re confident about something, those same kinds of comments often roll right off our shoulders. So the real question becomes: Where is our confidence rooted? In this episode we discuss: Why we can become easily offended in certain areas of life How insecurity can fuel offense Why our confidence can’t ultimately come from ourselves What it means to have our identity rooted in Christ When our confidence is grounded in Christ, we can say: I know whose I am. I know that God loves me. I know He has placed me where I am right now. That doesn’t mean we ignore correction or refuse to grow. In fact, humility means we can receive wisdom and evaluate feedback. But instead of reacting in offense, we can bring those moments to the Lord and ask: “God, is there something here you want to grow in me?” Because when our identity is secure in Christ, we don’t have to be shaken by every opinion or criticism that comes our way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comparison is everywhere. Whether it’s people in our real life, social media, careers, families, or callings, it can feel almost impossible not to compare ourselves to others. But Scripture calls us to something different. The Bible tells us not to envy or covet, but instead to live with contentment and trust in God’s plans. In this short mini encouragement episode (under 20 minutes), we talk about how to fight comparison and envy from a biblical perspective and how to cultivate a heart that is truly content. Because when comparison takes root, it doesn’t just stay in our thoughts—it can lead to: • Bitterness • Broken relationships • Discontentment • A constant feeling that what we have is never enough God invites us into a better way. In this episode we discuss: Why comparison is such a common struggle for believers Why God warns us against envy and coveting Recognizing that God gives different plans and callings to different people How having a kingdom mindset instead of a temporary mindset changes everything Practicing intentional thankfulness to shift our hearts toward contentment If you’ve ever struggled with thoughts like: Why do they have that and I don’t? Why is their life moving faster than mine? Am I behind where I’m supposed to be? This episode is a reminder that God’s plans for His people are not identical—but they are purposeful. Your calling, your season, and your life matter deeply in God’s kingdom. And learning to live with gratitude and trust frees us from the trap of comparison. LINKS:  Daily Grace Co (MEGANHOLMES10 for extra 10% off): https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954 Hosanna Revival (SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY for extra 10% off): https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How do you know what God wants you to do with your life? Maybe you’re trying to decide about a job, relationship, move, school, or new opportunity. In this mini encouragement episode (under 20 minutes), we’re talking about how to seek God’s direction and purpose in everyday decisions. While we often want a clear sign or step-by-step instruction, Scripture shows us that God’s guidance often comes through prayer, wisdom, and faithful steps forward. In this episode, we talk about: Why the Bible is still our primary guide for life How to bring your plans before God in prayer Why God is not a God of confusion The role of wise counsel from trusted believers Taking steps of faith when you don’t have perfect clarityDoing the next right thing in the day-to-day If you’ve ever asked: How do I know God’s will for my life? Am I making the right decision? What if I choose the wrong path? This episode will encourage you that God is not trying to hide His will from you. He faithfully leads those who seek Him with open hearts. I also share a personal example from the She Lives Purposefully journey and how God often works through our gifts, practical opportunities, and faithful obedience. LINKS:  Daily Grace Co (MEGANHOLMES10 for extra 10% off): https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954 Hosanna Revival (SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY for extra 10% off): https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In today’s episode of She Lives Purposefully, my husband Donny joins me for a Christian culture conversation about what’s happening in faith, media, and the church right now. From Christian music to new faith-based shows to apologetics conversations happening online, we talk through some of the topics Christians are discussing right now—and how we’re actually convicted by them.  We ask important questions: Are we actually open to what God wants to do in our lives? Do I believe in the power of the God of old Bible stories?  And we’re challenged to remember: Our world is actually very spiritual and we’re called to be ready in and out of season to share the gospel AND to be bold to do so. This episode touches on spiritual warfare, bold faith, and the importance of being ready to stand for truth in and out of season, fasting from secular music and from Instagram, and more. Topics we discuss • Josiah Queen’s song “Demons” • The new House of David show • Our reflections on Lent so far and what God has been teaching us • Wesley Huff on The Diary of a CEO and the importance of apologetics in modern culture • Why Christians need to be ready to defend their faith • Remembering that our world is deeply spiritual, not just physical • Believing that God can still take down giants LINKS: Daily Grace Co SALE and new Motherhood study: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Turning 30 has me reflecting on a lot… and honestly, feeling more motivated than ever to live fully where God has me. In this episode of She Lives Purposefully, I’m sharing some honest thoughts going into my 30s, what God has been convicting me about lately, and the mindset shift that’s been stirring in my heart. Lately I’ve been realizing how easy it is to get stuck in the mindset of “life is hard,” “things feel different,” or “this season isn’t what I expected.”  But God has been reminding me that we get to be part of His plans, not just our own. I’ve been deeply convicted to live boldly for Him — to be so rooted in God that I’m willing to follow Him no matter the risk, sacrifice, or outcome. As I step into this new decade, my prayer is simple: To live faithfully in every role He’s given me and ultimately, to live fully for the plans God has for my life — not my own. In this episode we talk about: • Reflections and lessons going into my 30s • The motivation to live fully where God has placed you • How God has been convicting my heart recently • Why your role in God’s plan matters (even if it’s unseen) • Living boldly for Christ in everyday life • Growing in faith, motherhood, marriage, and ministry You get to be part of what He is doing. LINKS: Shop Daily Grace Co SALES (code MEGANHOLMES10 for extra 10% off): https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954 ____ Christian podcast, Christian encouragement, turning 30 reflections, living with purpose, Christian motherhood, trusting God’s plan, faith and calling, biblical encouragement, Christian women podcast, armor of God, fruits of the Spirit, Christian motivation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Bible tells us that the enemy prowls like a roaring lion — but many of his attacks and temptations to sin sneak in. Envy at a friend’s house, a moment of discouragement while cooking dinner, a thought that says, “Why not me, God?” In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to be on guard against Satan’s work — envy, ungratefulness, bitterness, laziness, gossip — and how to pivot, with the power of Jesus Christ in you, back into a life God has for us: contentment, joy, gratitude, and purpose. (This episode is a REPLAY from October 2025. Megan is sick and wasn't able to put out a new episode today, so here is a TOP community favorite Megan could listen to again and again.) LINKS: 📚 Toddler Devo Time Ideas: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/5n74w92u ⁠⁠🎵 Christian music playlist: ⁠⁠https://tinyurl.com/2pwmhy4c⁠⁠  Episode Outline: 00:00 Intro 00:45 A personal story on envy  02:00 HOW sin, however “small” is destructive 04:45 Toddler devo ideas 06:25 The truth about Satan’s plan for you (and how easy it is even as Christians to fall into it) 08:00 What GOD has for you  08:55 Why we need to resist the devil 09:20 Don’t sin, but take it deeper: guard our hearts and minds 10:30 How do we resist Satan and choose God?  10:45 Know God’s ways, what He’s against and what He’s FOR (it’s in His Word!) 12:45 Know yourself and your struggles, admit it1 6:00 Time with God is transformative: read your Bible, worship, pray. HE has the power to change you. 17:25 Implement it now that you’ve been guarding your heart If this episode encouraged you, hit subscribe, leave a ⭐ review, or share it with a friend who needs this reminder today! Let’s connect! Instagram: @shelivespurposefully Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am joined by my husband to talk about  not just the “can I?” questions many Christians wrestle with but the “should I?”  Is Lent something I should be doing? Is it wrong for me to curse? Is it okay for me to listen to secular music?  What about online church? Should I go in-person? We talk about the freedom we have in Christ but also the importance of personal conviction AND what Scripture directly tells us is godly and ungodly. Scripture tells us we’re free in Christ… but Scripture also tells us that freedom doesn’t mean everything is beneficial or glorifies God.  Links: Hosanna Revival Bibles: https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY Part 1 of Should Christians Do THIS?: https://open.spotify.com/episode/5hbA386jYek3g0C5P9KXIX?si=iunE_Vc4QjaAKKvwfp934g  Episode Outline 3:00 Life Recap and a Life of Legacy 10:40 FridaBaby Controversy  16:00 Should Christians participate in Lent? 25:00 Can Christians curse? Do I curse? 32:30 Should Christians listen to secular music? Did we COMPLETELY change our minds? 40:00 Should Christians go to church in person? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This is an episode I got convicted DURING. Sometimes it feels like when it rains it pours. Life can be hard and sometimes it feels like everything goes wrong at once. It can be easy to feel discontent, overwhelmed, maybe even struggling to trust God. In this honest and vulnerable episode, I’m joined by my husband to talk about some of the things going on in our own lives lately (house issues, car trouble, high-risk pregnancy, etc.) and it’s honestly affected our hearts, attitudes, and trust in God.  To be honest, we even get convicted DURING this conversation.  If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, discontent, anxious, or spiritually drained, this conversation will encourage you to step back and see your circumstances through an eternal perspective. We talk about: Feeling covetousness and discontentment Overhelm Trusting God with everything from small hiccups to tragic suffering How an eternal perspective shifts EVERYTHING This is one of those conversations we know we’ll come back to again and again—and we pray it encourages you wherever you are today. LINKS: Dollar Days Sale at Daily Grace Co! Use code MEGANHOLMES10 for an extra 10% off: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954 Hosanna Revival Sale! Use code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY for an extra 10% off: https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully ___ Christian podcast, trusting God, fighting discontentment, Christian marriage, overwhelmed Christian, eternal perspective, faith in hard times, Christian encouragement, trusting God in difficult seasons Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What should Christians be known for? Not success. Not blessings. Not perfection. Not gifts. Jesus makes it clear: we are to be known by the love we have one for another. In this episode, we’re diving into why love is the true marker of a Christian life, what loving others actually looks like—beyond clichés, comfort, and convenience, asking ourselves the hard (and heart) questions, and what holds us back from loving well. LINKS: Daily Grace Co.’s Lent Bundle: https://collabs.shop/nd1kgd (use code MEGANHOLMES10 for 10% off) My ESV Study Bible: https://collabs.shop/sqpk0u (use code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY for 10% off) Episode Timeline: 6:00 The importance of love based on Scripture (John 13:34-35; 1 Corinthians 13:13; 1 John 4:16) 9:30 Do I actually care for people? 14:45 Practical Ways to Love Others Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anxiety, loss, uncertainty — we all face seasons that shake us. But Jesus offers something the world can’t: an untroubled heart. In this deeply honest and comforting episode, I talk with Kara Stout, who has walked through heartbreak and hardship — from infertility and health crises to losing both of her parents — yet has found God’s peace through it all. Kara shares: - Her story of pain, faith, and healing - How to lean on God when life feels impossible - What it really means that “a bruised reed He will not break” (Isaiah 42:3) - Practical ways to experience God’s comfort when anxiety feels heavy - How to thank and trust God even in the middle of suffering This episode is a heartfelt reminder that God won’t leave you broken — He’s the remedy for the troubles of your heart. Sensitivity warning: this conversation touches on loss, cancer, infertility, and health struggles. ✨ Resources Mentioned: – Get Kara’s Book: https://amzn.to/47LRzAu – Get 15% off Hosanna Revival using code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY: https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully – Get 10% off The Daily Grace Co. using code MEGANHOLMES10 https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954 – Toddler Quiet Time: https://tinyurl.com/5n74w92u  Kara Stout, Christian mental health, anxiety and faith, finding peace in God, trusting God in suffering, overcoming anxiety with faith, peace in hardship, grief and hope in Christ, Christian encouragement podcast, anxiety Bible verses, faith and peace, Christian women’s podcast, God’s comfort, finding God in loss, Christian inspiration, hope through hardship #KaraStout #ChristianAnxiety #FaithOverFear #FindingPeace #SheLivesPurposefully #ChristianEncouragement #UntroubledHeart Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’ve ever wondered why you don’t feel God lately (even if you’ve been seeking Him), you’re not alone. In today’s conversation, we gently and honestly explore possible reasons God may feel distant, while holding a big, important caveat. This episode is not about self-condemnation, but about loving reflection, truth, and encouragement. We’ll talk through some common reasons we may not feel God’s presence — and I also share an exhortation for those seasons when none of these apply to you, yet God still feels far. In this episode, we cover: Why unrepented sin can dull our spiritual sensitivity (and how repentance brings freedom) How constant distraction, busyness, and mental overload can crowd out time with God A powerful shift that happens when we confront misconceptions about God’s character What it looks like to seek Jesus half-heartedly (and how Scripture calls us deeper) An honest reflection on how seasons like motherhood and overwhelm can impact our walk with God Why God’s presence is not performance-based, but how our practices still matter Encouragement for those walking by faith, not feelings, when God feels silent This episode isn’t me talking at you — it’s me talking with you. These are things I’ve wrestled with myself, and my prayer is that this conversation leads you toward freedom, clarity, and renewed hope. If none of these reasons apply to you — hear this: Faith is the evidence of things not seen. Keep trusting. Keep pursuing. Keep running the race. Do not grow weary. God is faithful — even in the quiet. LINKS: Some tools as you seek Jesus more:  Eden to Eternity Bible Study: https://collabs.shop/obrgbv code MEGANHOLMES10 for 10% off Handbook Bundle: https://collabs.shop/obrgbv code MEGANHOLMES10 for 10% off Prayer Calendar: https://collabs.shop/obrgbv code MEGANHOLMES10 for 10% off ESV Study Bible: https://collabs.shop/sqpk0u code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY for 10% off Notebook: https://collabs.shop/matpjd code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY for 10% off Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Anxiety and fear can feel overwhelming — and for many Christians, they can even feel like a failure of faith. In this episode, we talk about how to rest in God instead of anxiety, take fear’s authority away from our thoughts and decisions (through Scripture), and trust God with our future. I’m joined by Maddie Joy Fischer, Live Original Ambassador, author, and Christian influencer and content creator, for an honest conversation about what it looks like to rely on God when fear is loud. We explore how freedom from fear doesn’t mean you’ll never feel anxious again — but it does mean fear no longer gets to control your life. In this episode, we talk about: Why fear doesn’t need to have authority over you How Scripture helps us take anxious thoughts captive instead of letting them control us What inspired Maddie to share openly about anxiety and learning to rest in God Why fear often holds us back from the life God is calling us to What to do when things do go wrong — and how to trust God anyway Encouragement for Christians who feel guilty for struggling with anxiety How to move toward peace, joy, and the abundant life God desires for you How to trust God when things don’t go according to plan If you struggle with anxiety, overthinking, or fear of the unknown, this episode will remind you that God is patient, present, and trustworthy — even here. LINKS: Get Maddie's Devotional: https://amzn.to/44T3uMe Get 15% off Hosanna Revival using code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY: https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully Get 10% off Daily Grace Co. using code MEGANHOLMES10: https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954 FREE Bible Reading Plans + Studies: https://www.shelivespurposefully.com/resources/ If this episode encourages you, subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing the show helps reach more Christian women who need encouragement. 👉 Subscribe for weekly Christian encouragement 💛 Share this with a friend who needs peace today This episode is about: Christian anxiety Trusting God, Fear and faith, Biblical encouragement, Christian podcast, Overcoming anxiety with God, Resting in God, Christian women, Faith over fear Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices