Sarah Boots from Faithful and Flourishing joined me on the No Higher Calling podcast to discuss the topic of Living a Life You Love. God has been so good to both of us! He has taught us to lean into His calling on our lives and to thrive in that calling. We share our journeys and what it means to us to live a life we love.
I decided to reach out to other women who inspire, encourage, and challenge me asking what it means to them to live a life they love. All these women love the Lord and display a joyful, contented heart.
May you be encouraged as you hear their testimonies!
John 10:10 “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
“Living a life I love looks like gathering my family around the table, teaching my children at home, and weaving God’s Word into our days. It doesn’t mean life is perfect—it means choosing joy in the middle of the chaos, leaning on God’s strength, and finding peace and purpose right where He has called me.”
-Stacie Loughrin @gather_and_grow_fam, mother of 6
“Joy is a fruit of the Spirit, not the fruit of circumstances. True joy isn’t found in chasing have temporary pleasures, but in walking daily with the Lord, seeking His will, and letting His Word guide your steps. When your heart delights in Him, loving the life He has given you means being content in whatsoever state you are in. Trusting His plan, knowing He’s always working everything out for our good, even if it’s hard to understand.”
-Sam Brown @ourblessedhomeschool, mother of 5
“A few years ago on a family beach trip, pregnant with baby number 6, a group of young adults sat near our family on the beach and were enjoying themselves quite differently than our family with young kids. They kept asking each other, “Are you living your best life?”, as they saluted each other with their adult beverages. Everything about the way they were enjoying their trip looked like they were very much living their best lives in the moment. Although our “trip” looked very different from their “vacation”— complete with the challenges of raising several young children including our internationally adopted special needs son, we realized we are not missing out. Some may not believe we are “living our best life” and that is because this life is not our best life at all, but rather a life laid down at the feet of our Savior. This journey is an offering—the pursuit of holiness over happiness but still filled with so much indescribable joy.”
“He that loveth his life shall lose it; and he that hateth his life in this world shall keep it unto life eternal.” John 12:25
-Jessica Leese, mother of 7
“In recent years, I have found that the “key” to living a life that I love is found in gratitude. Even in the midst of the difficult circumstances that often arise in life, I can look around and quickly see all of the good gifts that God has given to me…A caring and godly husband, children to love and nurture, and warm home to steward, a local church to minister in, and a community show Jesus’ love to. Gratitude that is offered to the Lord truly opens to door to living a life that you love!”
-Lauren Corley @simplehavens, mother of 3
“It took me many years to realize that living a life I love has nothing to do with surroundings or seasons. I think I knew that on a foundational level but was missing how to walk that out in the daily struggles of ministry, moves, and multiple babies. When I took Spirit-led ownership of my days and creating pockets of rest, joy, nourishment and creativity amidst the crazy it handed me the imperfectly beautiful life back I always dreamed of. Recognizing that life is comprised of big and small seasons that will pass helps me to embrace each one whether for the joy of it or for the growth and blessing that will come through it. Every day, the choice for joy and living a beautiful life is truly up to me and the Holy Spirit is ready to give me the mindset I need as I yield to Him.”
-Rebecca Grant @rebecca.m.grant, mother of 4
“I really do feel like I’m living a life I love and at the same time one I could have never imagined for me! I have the privilege to be home with my 5! children, homeschool them, and also make space for other things that stretch my mind and fill my cup. I’m slowly figuring out the balance of it all. The biggest thing I’ve learned in recent years is to let go of the things that quietly steal my time and waste it so I can spend it on what actually matters to me… my faith, my family, and the things that help me grow. My ultimate goal right now? To raise children who become kind, strong adults with a deep faith in God that’s theirs…not just a copy of mine.”
-Elizabeth Beam @balancingbeams, mother of 5
“Living a life I love, I have learned, is best achieved when I am submitted to God and His view of us through the lens of the gospel. I have always desired to be a wife and mother, but who has never been overwhelmed with the piles of laundry or dishes, an endless to-do list, or needy children? God is good to remind me that my tasks do not go unnoticed by Him; these seemingly small moments can glorify Him if I am faithful to do so with an attitude of humility and gratitude, giving glory to Whom it is due! (1 Cor. 10:31) I treasure the precious family with which God has so richly blessed me and love that I am gifted with cherished moments spent together!”
-Tobianne McCown, mother of 4
“Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Philippians 4:11 KJV
Philippians 4, is a chapter holding the key to living a life full of joy, peace, fulfillment, and purpose. Pray that the Lord gives you gratitude and contentment in each season, situation, relationship, trial, possession, and position.
Comparison and ingratitude are thieves of that joy and peace.
-Melanie Cook, mother of 4
