Anchored with Purpose | Faith, Family, Purpose, Dreaming, Planning, Overcoming Anxiety, Overcoming Overwhelm

Melissa Wilkinson - Life Coach for Catholic Women
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The Anchored with Purpose Podcast focuses on Faith, Family, Purpose, & Dreaming Big. How do I fill the emptiness I feel in my life? What is missing from my life? The stresses of this world are causing me anxiety, how can I cope? I’m a mom, but I feel so drained and have lost a piece of me, how do I find me again? How do I dream again? How do I even achieve those dreams? And the biggest question of all, is it worth pursuing my purpose and dreams? Whether you’re a dreamer, a mom, connected in your faith or feeling a little (or a lot) lost, this is the show for you. The Anchored with Purpose Podcast is a live-workshop style podcast packed with actionable step-by-step tips to help you redefine what you want in your life in the areas of faith, family, purpose, & pursuing your dreams. You can train with the experts on how to dig in, reconnect with your faith & purpose, and tackle your biggest goals along the way.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    78| God Gave You This for a Reason with Kara Williams

    If you’ve ever felt stuck trying to launch a course, podcast, or online offer because of tech overwhelm, this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, I’m joined by Kara Williams, who helps women simplify tech and confidently bring their ideas to life. We talk about the real reason so many women stay stuck, how to move past perfectionism, and why having someone walk alongside you changes everything. One of the most powerful moments in this episode is Kara’s story of how God closed a door she thought she was meant to stay in, only to lead her into something even more impactful. If you’ve been wrestling with uncertainty, this will encourage you to trust His plan. If you’ve been sitting on an idea, this is your sign to take the next step. ✨ Key TakeawaysWhy tech overwhelm is NOT the real reason you’re stuckThe mindset shift every woman needs before launchingHow perfectionism is actually fear in disguiseThe simple first step to move your idea out of your head and into actionWhy over-consuming courses can keep you stuckThe power of having someone walk alongside you step-by-stepHow automation and systems prevent burnout in your businessWhat it looks like when God closes one door to open anotherWhy your calling matters and shouldn’t stay hidden⏱️ Chapters00:00 Welcome + Meet Kara Williams 02:30 Kara’s journey from stay-at-home mom to tech expert 05:30 The real struggle women face when launching online 08:00 Why courses alone don’t get you results 10:45 The first step to launching your idea 14:45 Perfectionism, fear, and taking action 17:10 Getting unstuck when you feel overwhelmed 20:45 What systems and automation actually look like 24:20 Staying in your lane to avoid burnout 25:45 How faith shaped Kara’s business journey 27:30 When God closes a door and redirects your path 29:30 How to connect with Kara 🔗 Resources + LinksConnect with Kara Williams: Website: Helpmekara.com Instagram + Facebook: @helpmekara 🙌 Loved This Episode?If this episode encouraged you, make sure to: Subscribe to the podcastLeave a review on Apple PodcastsShare this episode with a friend who’s been feeling stuck catholic podcast for women, christian entrepreneurship, faith based business, overcoming fear and doubt, tech overwhelm, course creation for beginners, launch an online course, christian women in business, purpose driven life, hearing God’s call, faith and business, perfectionism and fear, building a business with God, online business systems, automation for entrepreneurs

    29 min

  2. 7 APR

    77| Lent Is Over… Now What? How to Stay Consistent in Your Faith Life

    Lent may be over, but what if this is just the beginning? In this reflective episode of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast, Melissa walks you through a powerful post-Lent reset to help you hold onto the faith habits you built during Lent and turn them into a sustainable daily rhythm. If you felt closer to God, more intentional, and more grounded over the past season, this episode will help you identify what worked, what didn’t, and how to carry that momentum into your everyday life. Through simple, practical questions, you will reflect on your time with God, prayer life, scripture habits, journaling, and more so you can build a faith routine that actually fits your real life. You are not starting over. You are building something that lasts. Key Takeaways• How to turn your Lenten habits into a sustainable daily faith practice • Why consistency matters more than perfection in your spiritual life • Simple reflection questions to help you evaluate your time with God • How to create a realistic routine that fits your current season of life • The power of gratitude, scripture memory, and intentional prayer • How to recognize when God is speaking to you in everyday moments • Why your faith practice should feel life-giving, not overwhelming Chapters00:00 Welcome + Post-Lent Reset 00:01 Why You Should Not Lose What God Started 01:08 Reflecting on Your Time, Place, and Rhythm with God 02:22 Creating a Sustainable Faith Routine 03:00 Starting Your Day with Gratitude 04:45 Scripture Memory and Hearing God’s Voice 07:08 Choosing Devotionals with Intention 07:08 How Scripture Shapes Your Day 08:10 What Are You Hearing from God 09:33 Prayer That Feels Like a Conversation 10:30 Journaling and Finding What Works for You 11:30 Building Your Faith Lifestyle Going Forward 12:00 Encouragement to Keep Showing Up Links & Resources • Start the devotional: From Lent to Lifestyle: From Lent to Lifestyle: Building a Daily Faith Practice that Lasts • Download the free Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal sample • Shop the full Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal Book Melissa to Speak at Your Event Website Facebook Instagram Anchored with Purpose Tribe Email catholic podcast, catholic mom, daily faith routine, christian habits, prayer routine, how to hear from God, bible app devotional, christian personal development, faith and purpose, spiritual growth for women, christian morning routine, gratitude practice, scripture memory, journaling with God, intentional living, catholic personal growth, building faith habits, lent reflection, easter season faith, anchored with purpose podcast

    14 min

  3. 31 MAR

    76| When You Put God First, Everything Aligns| ft. Mindy Backsen

    In this faith-filled conversation, Melissa sits down with Mindy “Mindo” Backsen, a wife and mom from North Dakota whose story is rooted in obedience, surrender, and trusting God when the next step feels uncertain. Mindy shares how she left a demanding career in insurance, stepped into social selling and coaching, and discovered that true alignment happens when Christ is first, not second. Together, they talk about how overconsumption, urgency, and striving quietly steal our peace, and how Scripture, quiet time with God, and fixing our eyes on Jesus bring clarity in confusing seasons. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, spiritually dry, or unsure of your next step, this episode will remind you that you are not stuck. You are being invited deeper. And God is working, even in rebuilding seasons. Links MentionedMindy’s YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mindybacksen Mindy on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mindy.backsen Christian Women Building Business Together: https://christianwomenbuildingbusiness.com/ Key TakeawaysPeace comes from alignment with Christ.You may not have control, but you do have a good God.Overconsumption of voices creates confusion.Discernment check: Is this bringing peace or pressure?Uncertainty is part of life, but your certainty can be Christ.You are not stuck.Small, obedient steps compound over time.Stop giving away your power to distractions and negativity.The stirring for more is not random. God multiplies obedience.Chapters & Timestamps00:01 Welcome + Meet Mindy Backsen 00:49 Mindy’s story: career, motherhood, and feeling called to “more” 02:37 The leap of faith and surrender 04:22 Putting Christ first and finding alignment 07:47 Seeking God wholeheartedly (Jeremiah 29) 10:37 What steals peace: urgency and overconsumption 13:30 Discernment: peace vs pressure 15:40 Navigating uncertainty and divine redirection 18:23 You are not stuck: fixing your eyes on Jesus 21:45 Being an ambassador of Christ in daily life 23:42 The stirring for more and small obedient steps 28:20 Where to find Mindy 29:15 Teaser: the “divine detour” story Catholic women podcast, Christian women podcast, faith and purpose, surrender to God, peace in motherhood, spiritual dryness, Christian encouragement, trusting God in uncertainty, discernment peace vs pressure, how to hear God’s voice, quiet time with God, daily faith habits, renewing your mind scripture, fix your eyes on Jesus, Peter walks on water, Jeremiah 29:11-13, Proverbs 3:5-6, Isaiah 60:22, Matthew 5 salt and light, loaves and fishes obedience, Christian mindset coaching, overwhelm and anxiety faith, overconsumption and clarity, rebuilding season faith, obedience to God, Anchored with Purpose podcast

    29 min

  4. 24 MAR

    75| How to Hear God’s Voice When You Feel Stuck and Overwhelmed

    Have you ever wondered, “How do I actually hear from God?” Or felt stuck asking, “What is my purpose?” In this faith-filled episode, I’m answering two powerful questions from women in our community and chances are, you’ve asked them too. If you’ve been feeling overwhelmed, unsure of your direction, or disconnected from God’s voice, this episode will remind you that your purpose is not something you have to figure out alone. It is something you walk into with God, one step at a time. We talk about how God speaks, often in quieter ways than we expect, how to recognize His guidance in your everyday life, and how to release the pressure of having everything figured out. If you are craving clarity, peace, and direction, this episode is for you 💙 💡 Key TakeawaysPurpose is often found in everyday faithfulness, not just big momentsGod is already guiding your path, you are not alone in figuring it outGod speaks most clearly through Scripture and daily relationship with HimQuiet time helps you hear God in a noisy worldThe desires on your heart may be invitations from GodOpen and closed doors can be God’s direction and protectionYour purpose unfolds over time, not all at onceAsk God for your next right step instead of the full plan⏱️ Chapters00:00 Welcome and the questions we are answering 02:00 Why we feel stuck in our purpose 03:30 What purpose really looks like 05:00 How God speaks through Scripture 08:30 Creating space to hear God in the quiet 11:00 Recognizing God through your desires 13:30 Open and closed doors as direction 16:00 When you still do not know your purpose 18:30 The next right step prayer 21:00 Final encouragement and invitation 🔗 Resources & Links MentionedThe Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren YouVersion Bible App Bible in a Year Podcast with Fr. Mike Schmitz From Lent to Lifestyle devotional If this episode spoke to you, I would love to hear from you 💙 What is one small step you feel God inviting you to take? Be sure to subscribe and leave a review so more women can find this message Catholic podcast for women, Catholic mom podcast, how to hear God’s voice Catholic, Catholic purpose and vocation, Catholic personal development, how to know God’s will Catholic, faith and purpose for Catholic moms, daily Catholic faith routine, Catholic spiritual growth for women, trusting God’s plan Catholic, discerning God’s voice, Catholic mindset and personal growth, overcoming overwhelm with faith, living your God given purpose

    20 min

  5. 17 MAR

    74| Turning Pain Into Purpose with Dr. Brandi Kelly

    What if the hardest moments in your life could become the very thing that helps others find hope? In this powerful and deeply moving conversation, Melissa Wilkinson sits down with Dr. Brandi Kelly - educator, former superintendent, leadership coach, and founder of the Spark Hope Community. Dr. Kelly shares the heartbreaking story that shaped her life when she lost her younger brother in a tragic accident at just 15 years old. Rather than allowing grief to define her story, Brandi chose a different path. Through decades of leadership in education, personal healing, and deep faith, she discovered that hope is not just a feeling - it is a daily practice and a choice. Dr. Kelly also shares how burnout and health struggles led her to step away from her high-pressure superintendent role and into a new calling - helping women leaders reconnect with purpose, reflection, and faith through the Spark Hope Community. If you have ever felt overwhelmed, stretched thin, or unsure of your purpose, this conversation will remind you that you are not alone and hope is always possible. Links Mentioned in the EpisodeDr. Brandi Kelly Website, Lead with Hope Podcast, Spark Hope Community and Free HOPE Leadership Clarity Assessment: https://sparkhopeedu.com Key Takeaways from This Episode• Hope is not passive. It is a daily choice that requires intentional action. • Difficult seasons can become the foundation for a meaningful purpose. • Leadership becomes healthier when we create space for reflection and pause. • Journaling, prayer, and Scripture can help us hear God more clearly. • Women leaders thrive when they have safe spaces for connection and encouragement. • Your story and your struggles may be the exact encouragement someone else needs. Want to build a daily faith practice that lasts? Join my plan on the Bible App: From Lent to Lifestyle: http://bible.us/r/He5  Episode Chapters00:00 Introduction to Dr. Brandi Kelly 00:45 Trigger warning and episode overview 01:30 The tragic loss of Brandi’s younger brother 05:40 Choosing hope after trauma 07:00 Learning to ask God for daily direction 08:45 Stress, burnout, and stepping away from leadership 11:30 Facing uncertainty after leaving the superintendent role 12:40 Writing the book Lead with Hope 13:00 The origin of the Spark Hope framework 14:30 The HOPE system: habits, optimism, purpose, excellence 15:10 Mindset struggles, perfectionism, and people pleasing 16:20 Creating the Spark Hope Community for women leaders 18:30 Why reflection is essential for leadership 20:50 Daily practices: Bible reading, journaling, and prayer 23:00 Reviewing your journal and celebrating growth 24:50 Scheduling reflection into your life 25:20 The power of community for women leaders 27:45 Creating safe spaces for vulnerability 28:00 Encouragement for women feeling overwhelmed 29:40 Turning pain into purpose 30:00 Where to connect with Dr. Brandi Kelly Anchored with Purpose podcast, Melissa Wilkinson podcast, Dr Brandi Kelly, Spark Hope community, Christian leadership for women, faith based leadership, hope after trauma, women leadership community, Christian personal growth for women, leadership mindset, journaling and faith practice, Christian leadership podcast, turning pain into purpose, faith based personal development, women leaders support community

    29 min

  6. 11 MAR

    73| From Lent to Lifestyle: How to Build a Daily Faith Practice That Lasts

    This episode is deeply personal and full circle for me. After 2,470 consecutive days in the YouVersion Bible App, I’m officially a content partner, and my brand-new devotional plan is live: From Lent to Lifestyle: Creating a Daily Faith Practice that Lasts. In this episode, I share the behind-the-scenes story of attending the Beyond a Billion celebration in Oklahoma City, hearing from Bobby Gruenewald and Craig Groeschel, boldly asking to become a content partner, and why I created this Lent devotional for women who want a simple, sustainable daily faith rhythm. If you’ve ever struggled with consistency in your prayer life or wanted to move from seasonal motivation to lasting transformation, this episode is for you. 📖 Ready to Start the Plan?Download the free Bible App and begin: From Lent to Lifestyle: Creating a Daily Faith Practice that Lasts 👉 Download the Bible App and follow Anchored with Purpose: https://www.bible.com/organizations/9555df54-34ac-4b14-bc38-ee830fb1060b  👉 Start the Plan:  http://bible.us/r/He5  🎉 Join me and the Anchored with Purpose community for a group reading beginning March 6th (my birthday!):  👉 Join the group reading here: https://bible.com/reading-plans/67833/together/79255031/invitation?token=j8NKyJUpHTU-Lwp3gH22ow&source=share  Don’t do this alone. Start it with a friend, your small group, or read alongside us in the discussion section inside the app. ⚓️ Key Takeaways• Small daily consistency creates long-term spiritual growth • The YouVersion Bible App has over one billion downloads and will always remain free • Bold obedience opens unexpected doors • Lent is a starting line, not a finish line • Sustainable rhythms matter more than spiritual intensity • Reading plans together deepens both faith and relationships • YouVersion challenges and badges can help motivate consistency ⏱ Chapters00:00 – A Full Circle Moment 01:30 – 2,470 Days in the Bible App 04:00 – Beyond a Billion: Inside the Celebration 06:30 – Hearing from Bobby Gruenewald & Craig Groeschel 09:00 – The Bold Ask That Changed Everything 11:30 – Why I Created From Lent to Lifestyle 14:00 – What You’ll Experience Inside the Plan 16:30 – How to Download the Bible App & Join 19:00 – Why You Shouldn’t Do This Alone 22:00 – Join Me March 6th for a Birthday Group Reading 24:30 – Lent Challenge Badge & YouVersion Challenges Explained 27:30 – Please Rate, Review & Tag Me 29:00 – What Will Your Streak Be? Let’s move from Lent to lifestyle - together. Catholic Lent devotional, daily faith practice for women, how to stay consistent in prayer, Bible App Lent challenge, YouVersion Bible plan, Catholic women podcast, daily prayer routine for busy moms, building spiritual habits, Lent Bible reading plan, Christian women devotional, faith consistency for moms, spiritual reset for Lent, Bible App streak motivation, simple daily prayer habit, how to grow closer to God, devotional for Catholic moms, seasonal faith to lifestyle faith, Lent spiritual growth, accountability in faith, Catholic podcast for women

    19 min

  7. 24 FEB

    72| Purpose Over Pressure: A Faith-Filled Path Out of Burnout ft. Misty Lakes

    In this conversation, Melissa sits down with life and business coach Misty Lakes to talk about Godfidence, which is confidence rooted in Christ instead of hustle culture. Misty shares her journey from direct sales into coaching, how God faithfully led her step by step, and why putting Him at the center of our lives and businesses changes everything. Together, they unpack why so many women feel burned out from wearing too many hats, how guilt sneaks in when our priorities are misaligned, and a simple but life changing visual tool that helps women realign their time, energy, and focus. Resources mentioned in this episode: • Journey to Be Godfident Devotional & Course: https://www.mistylakes.biz/store • 40 Day Social Media Fast by Wendy Speake: https://a.co/d/7OBkm7e • Misty Lakes Coaching & Collective: https://www.mistylakes.biz/coaching Key TakeawaysGodfidence means rooting your identity, confidence, and decisions in who God says you are — not in hustle, pressure, or people-pleasing.God should be the CEO of your life and business, guiding decisions both big and small.Burnout often comes from wearing too many “good” hats at the same time — not from doing one thing poorly.The Target Exercise helps visually prioritize what matters most: God, personal wellbeing, family, and then everything else.Your family is your first ministry, and your relationship with God deserves protected, intentional time.Social media often consumes time without reflecting what we actually value.Intentional boundaries create peace and reduce guilt.Purpose brings peace; pressure brings burnout.Faith and business were never meant to be separate — alignment brings flow and fruit.⏱ Chapters00:00 – Welcome & Meet Misty Lakes 02:30 – From Direct Sales to Coaching: Trusting God Step by Step 06:30 – How God Prepares Us Long Before We See the Plan 07:00 – What Is Godfidence? Confidence Rooted in Christ 10:00 – Letting God Be the CEO of Your Life 11:00 – Why Women Feel Burned Out and Overwhelmed 13:00 – The Target Exercise: A Visual Way to Prioritize What Matters 15:00 – Taking Hats Off Without Guilt 17:30 – Temple Time: Honoring God by Caring for Yourself 19:30 – Being Intentional With Time, Energy, and Boundaries 21:00 – Social Media, Scrolling, and Mental Clarity 23:45 – Why Faith and Business Shouldn’t Be Separate 27:30 – Obedience, Stewardship, and God’s Blessing 30:00 – Purpose Over Pressure: A Client Transformation Story 33:30 – How to Connect with Misty & Her Community 34:45 – Closing Encouragement Christian women in business, faith based life coaching, Godfidence, Christian confidence, burnout recovery for women, faith and business alignment, Christian entrepreneur podcast, women wearing too many hats, intentional living Christian, faith based coaching for women, Christian leadership for women, purpose over pressure, time management for Christian women, Christ centered business, spiritual burnout, women and hustle culture, faith driven success, Christian personal growth podcast, women seeking peace and purpose, God at the center of life and business

    35 min

  8. 17 FEB

    71| Lent for the Busy Catholic Woman

    If Lent already feels like one more thing on your to-do list, this episode is for you. In this encouraging and Scripture-rooted episode, Melissa Wilkinson speaks directly to the busy Catholic woman who feels tired, distracted, spiritually behind, or overwhelmed before Lent even begins. Instead of a picture-perfect or performance-based Lent, Melissa walks through what real Lent looks like in real life. Rooted in Joel 2:12, Matthew 4, and Matthew 6, this episode reframes Lent as a season of return, not perfection. Through the three pillars of Lent — prayer, fasting, and almsgiving — Melissa offers simple, sustainable ways to grow closer to God without adding pressure to an already full life. If you’ve ever quit Lent by week two, struggled to stay consistent with prayer, or felt like you’re not doing “enough,” this conversation will remind you that God is not asking you to impress Him. He is inviting you to return. Lent is not about performance. It is about presence. Key TakeawaysLent is about returning to God, not proving yourself (Joel 2:12).The desert is not punishment — it is preparation (Matthew 4).Jesus says “when you pray, when you fast, when you give alms” — not if (Matthew 6).Prayer for a busy woman can be simple and repeatable.Fasting helps reveal attachments and create space for God.Almsgiving stretches the heart outward in love.You can begin again at any time — God’s mercies are new every morning (Lamentations 3:22–23).Your real life — your SUV, your kitchen, your routines — can be holy ground.Choose one prayer practice, one meaningful fast, and one intentional act of love.Lent is about consistency, not perfection.Chapters: 00:00 — Lent for the Busy Catholic Woman 01:59 — The Desert Is Preparation, Not Punishment 03:30 — Why Lent Feels Overwhelming 05:00 — Prayer: Abide, Don’t Perform 08:30 — Fasting: Detach and Create Space 11:30 — Almsgiving: Stretching the Heart in Love 13:45 — When Week Two Hits 16:30 — Making the Rosary Sustainable 18:45 — Your Real Life Is Holy Ground 20:30 — A Simple Lenten Framework 22:00 — Lent Is About Intimacy, Not Impressiveness Book Melissa to Speak at Your Event Website Facebook Instagram Anchored with Purpose Tribe Email Dream Workshop Wait List

    16 min
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The Anchored with Purpose Podcast focuses on Faith, Family, Purpose, & Dreaming Big. How do I fill the emptiness I feel in my life? What is missing from my life? The stresses of this world are causing me anxiety, how can I cope? I’m a mom, but I feel so drained and have lost a piece of me, how do I find me again? How do I dream again? How do I even achieve those dreams? And the biggest question of all, is it worth pursuing my purpose and dreams? Whether you’re a dreamer, a mom, connected in your faith or feeling a little (or a lot) lost, this is the show for you. The Anchored with Purpose Podcast is a live-workshop style podcast packed with actionable step-by-step tips to help you redefine what you want in your life in the areas of faith, family, purpose, & pursuing your dreams. You can train with the experts on how to dig in, reconnect with your faith & purpose, and tackle your biggest goals along the way.

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