Anchored Decisions

039: 3 Shifts That Happen When Prayer Becomes Intentional

Show Notes What’s the difference between praying throughout your day and sitting down for intentional, focused prayer — and why does it matter? In this episode, Lauren shares how intentional prayer can connect you to God in a deeper way. You’ll hear why “praying on the go” isn’t the same as making prayer a priority, and the three internal shifts that begin to happen when prayer becomes intentional. If you’ve been craving more consistency, depth, and clarity in your prayer life — especially as you head into a new year — this episode is for you. Key Points: 🔑 Why intentional prayer builds a deeper, more relational connection with God 🔑 How dedicated prayer time shapes humility, honor, and surrender 🔑 The difference between multitasking prayer and focused prayer 🔑 Why sitting still and journaling creates space to hear from God more clearly 🔑 How consistency in prayer changes how you show up spiritually — not just how often 🔑 Why good intentions alone don’t create lasting prayer habits Bible Verses: 📖 “Pray continually.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:17 January Prayer Challenge Lauren is hosting a free 31-Day Prayer Challenge beginning January 1st. Each day includes: 🙏 A one-minute prayer from a different prayer leader 🙏 A daily prayer theme 🙏 Printable journal pages with scripture, reflection questions, and prayer transcripts 🙏 Optional deeper connection through email encouragement and a Facebook group 👉 Sign up for free at www.anchoreddecisions.com/prayer2026 [http://www.anchoreddecisions.com/prayer2026] 📍 Or follow along on Instagram @anchoreddecisions [https://www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions] 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-based decision-making tips! Connect with Me: 🌟 www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions] 🌟 www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions] 🌟 www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions] Check out my website and decision guide shop: 🌐 www.anchoreddecisions.com [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com/] 🛍️ www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop]

038: Information Overload? Who to Actually Listen to and What Steps to Take

Show Notes Overwhelmed by podcasts, posts, and “you shoulds”? In this episode, Lauren names the real cost of information overload and offers 6 tips for deciding who to listen to and what to do next—without burning out your time, money, or peace. She also shares an update on her health journey and previews a new “Should I Quit My Job?” resource bundle built from her SAIL Method. Key Points: 🔑 Why constant input ≠ constant improvement 🔑 A 6-step filter to reduce noise and increase clarity 🔑 How to spot trustworthy trends vs. one-off hype 🔑 The power of trying one thing at a time (and tracking it) 🔑 How to decide what’s “good enough for now” and move forward 🔑 A reminder to root decisions in prayer and God’s guidance Your Action Step for the Week: Put the 6 tips from the episode into practice: Take a break from more information Focus on one problem at a time Look for trends across multiple trusted voices Choose one guide to follow for this one issue Try one thing at a time (and journal results) Decide what’s good enough for now Bible Verses: 📖 Colossians 3:23-24: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-based decision-making tips! Connect with Me: 🌟 www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions] 🌟 www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions] 🌟 www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions] Check out my website and decision guide shop: 🌐 www.anchoreddecisions.com [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com/] 🛍️ www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop]

037: Turning Point: A Call to Bold Faith and Spreading Hope

Show Notes This week’s episode of The Anchored Decisions Show is a little different. After stepping back this summer due to health challenges, I felt prompted to share a raw and unscripted message straight from my heart in light of recent events. As we remembered 9/11 and mourned the tragic assassination of Charlie Kirk, I couldn’t help but reflect on unity, conviction, and what it means to boldly live out our faith in today’s polarized culture. In this episode, I talk about: The unity America once experienced and how we’ve drifted from it Why knowing what you stand for matters now more than ever How to ground your convictions in scripture and truth What it means to live out the hope of Christ in a world full of division and fear A prayer for courage, revival, and boldness in this turning point moment This isn’t a polished or planned teaching—it’s a Spirit-led conversation about standing firm in faith, seeking truth, and letting Christ’s hope shine brighter than the world’s darkness. Links From This Episode: ✨ Full show notes at anchoreddecisions.com/37 [https://anchoreddecisions.com/37] Connect with me on social media: www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions] www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions] Check out my website and decision guide shop: www.anchoreddecisions.com [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com] www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop]

036: What are you pursuing: God or self?

Show Notes Are your daily actions drawing you closer to God—or further away? In this raw and heartfelt episode, Lauren shares a personal update about her health struggles, home renovation chaos, and the lessons God has been teaching her through it all. What started as a year of “pursuing” growth turned into a season of pruning, rest, and radical trust. Tune in to hear how stress, striving, and misplaced priorities collided with divine discipline—and how God used Scripture to realign her heart. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, overextended, or unsure of what to chase next, this episode will remind you to pause and ask: What am I really pursuing? Links From This Episode: ✨ Scripture Type [https://scripturetype.com] – Bible verse artwork that inspired today’s episode ✨ Full show notes at anchoreddecisions.com/36 [https://anchoreddecisions.com/36] Bible Verses Mentioned: 📖 1 Timothy 6:6–12, 17–19 📖 Proverbs 3:5–12 📖 Psalm 34:14 📖 2 Timothy 2:22 Key Points: 🔑 The word “pursue” was Lauren’s word for the year—but God showed her it first requires fleeing the wrong things. 🔑 A year-long renovation and months of health issues forced Lauren into a slower pace, where God revealed what truly matters. 🔑 Scripture shows us that pursuit is active—it requires action, intention, and discipline. 🔑 When we seek godliness first, God provides what we need—even in uncertain seasons. 🔑 God sometimes uses discipline to realign our priorities—not to punish, but to guide us back into His care. Your Action Step for the Week: 📝 During your quiet time, journal through these questions: What do I need to flee from right now? What is God asking me to pursue instead? Are my actions leading me toward righteousness—or toward self and stress? Let the Holy Spirit guide your next steps. Connect with me on social media: www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions] www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions] Check out my website and decision guide shop: www.anchoreddecisions.com [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com] www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop]

035: The Power of Prayer Journaling in Making Life Decisions with Kari Bartkus

Show Notes Can journaling really help you make better decisions — and hear from God more clearly? In this episode, spiritual director and journal coach Kari Bartkus shares how prayer journaling creates space to process emotions, clarify your values, and invite God into your decision-making. We talk about journaling methods beyond just pros and cons lists, how to overcome the fear of someone reading your journal, and what to do when you're staring at a blank page. I also share a powerful story of how God used the most random word in my journaling time to redirect my business — and it all started with simply writing my prayers. Links From This Episode: ✨ Kari’s Website & Free Journaling Workshop: lovedoesthat.org [https://lovedoesthat.org] ✨ Kari’s Podcast Episode Featuring Lauren: lovedoesthat.org/177 [https://lovedoesthat.org/177] ✨ Rocketbook Notebook: getrocketbook.com [https://getrocketbook.com] ✨ Daily Kairos Journal: dailykairos.com [https://dailykairos.com] ✨ Val Marie Paper Prayer Journal: valmariepaper.com [https://valmariepaper.com] Bible Verses Mentioned: 📖 Romans 8:26 – The Spirit intercedes for us 📖 James 1:5 – If any of you lacks wisdom, ask God 📖 Matthew 7:7 – Ask, seek, knock 📖 Habakkuk 2:2 – Write the vision and make it plain Key Points: 🔑 Journaling helps bring clarity by getting thoughts out of your head and onto paper 🔑 Prayer journaling isn’t just about writing a list — it’s about dialogue with God 🔑 You can use lists, imagination-based journaling, or art/doodles to explore decisions 🔑 Journaling reveals patterns, values, and God’s voice in surprising ways 🔑 You don’t have to keep every journal entry — write freely, then decide what to keep 🔑 There’s no “right” way to journal; the best method is the one you’ll actually use Your Action Step for the Week: 🖊️ Pick up a journal and start writing. If you already journal regularly, try a new method — whether it’s list-making, imagination prayer, or doodling your thoughts. And if you're stuck, simply invite God in and write what’s on your heart. Where to Connect with Kari: Website & Podcast: lovedoesthat.org [https://lovedoesthat.org] Free Journal Prompts + Resources: lovedoesthat.org/resources Instagram: @love_does_that [https://www.instagram.com/love_does_that] Best way to connect: Join Kari’s email list through her site Connect with me on social media: www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions] www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions [https://www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions] Check out my website and decision guide shop: www.anchoreddecisions.com [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com] www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop [https://www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop]