She Lives Purposefully

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
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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

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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

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“God, what do you have for me?”

In today’s conversation, we’re reframing the idea of “calling” through Scripture and real life. 

We’ll look at biblical examples like Joseph and David, who weren’t chasing titles or platforms — they were simply doing the next right thing, trusting God, and stewarding what He had already given them.

In this episode, we talk about:

What the Bible actually teaches about calling and purpose

Why faithfulness in everyday life matters more than big plans

How small, obedient decisions make a huge spiritual impact

Glorifying God in marriage, work, motherhood, friendships, and business

Recognizing and stewarding the unique gifts God has placed inside you

Why being plugged into the body of Christ is essential for growth and stepping into what God has for you

How prayer brings clarity when you’re unsure what God is asking of you

If you’ve been feeling pressure to “figure everything out,” this episode will help you rest, refocus, and move forward with faith.

If this message encourages you:

👉 Like the video

👉 Subscribe for weekly faith-based encouragement

👉 Share with someone who’s seeking clarity this year

LINKS: 

• New Year’s Guide: https://mailchi.mp/fbe0f363b092/christianewyear

• Get 15% off Hosanna Revival (undated WOOHOO!) Planners with code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY at https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully 

• Get 10% off Daily Grace Co. with code MEGANHOLMES10 at https://thedailygraceco.com?dt_id=293954

• 31 Day Bible Reading Plans: https://www.shelivespurposefully.com/resources/

EPISODE TIMELINE

03:20 The calling we ALL have today, right now

05:30 Scripture examples of how God led people into what we know them for

09:20 Maybe our calling is different than how we think it will look but it’s not lesser

11:30 5 ways to live out God’s calling on your life in this new year, new season
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What does it really look like to follow Jesus completely and wholeheartedly in the new year?

Maybe you’ve felt spiritually complacent or maybe you are seeking Jesus—but you want even more of Him.
More intimacy. More obedience. More surrender. More purpose.

In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to follow Jesus wholeheartedly, not through pressure or perfection, but through a daily lifestyle of grace-filled devotion. 

Whether you’re listening on January 1 or March 1, this conversation is meant to leave you encouraged, stirred, and excited to walk into this season with more of Jesus.

As the episode unfolds, we’ll go deeper and deeper into what it looks like to live a surrendered, Spirit-led life with Christ.

In this episode we talk about: 

• Why taking Bible reading SERIOUSLY changes everything
• How Christian fellowship brings healing, accountability, and growth
• Developing a daily prayer life that’s intentional and natural
• Learning to pray for God’s leading—and how to discern His voice
• Trusting that God has purpose for you right where you are
• How to fall more in love with Jesus through remembrance
• What radical surrender really looks like (decisions, fears, and secret sins)

LINKS: 

• New Year’s Guide: https://mailchi.mp/fbe0f363b092/christianewyear

• Get 15% off Hosanna Revival (undated WOOHOO!) Planners with code SHELIVESPURPOSEFULLY https://hosannarevival.com/shelivespurposefully 

• 31 Day Bible Reading Plans: https://www.shelivespurposefully.com/resources/

• Here's the BLOG version of this episode: https://tinyurl.com/3uvvva38

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