Are you feeling the weight of the world lately? The news is heavy, AI is advancing at a scary pace, and it can start to feel like life is pointless. If you've been doom scrolling and wondering what is even the point, you're not alone.

In this episode, I'm sharing 3 things every Christian should be doing as we wait for Jesus's return — straight from Scripture. Because instead of living in fear, God has given us a clear purpose and a plan.

Lauren covers:

• How to examine your heart and make sure you're in right standing with God
• What it means to "occupy" until He returns (and why giving up is not an option)
• How to stay on guard and not be caught off guard when Jesus comes back

📖 Scriptures referenced: 2 Peter 3, Romans 13, Luke 19:13, Matthew 28:18-20, 1 Thessalonians 5, Ecclesiastes 12, Luke 10:27

If this encouraged you, share it with a friend who needs it today. And if you're listening on Apple Podcasts, a 5-star review helps more women find this content!

I told God very clearly: I would NEVER homeschool. If He wanted me to do it, He'd have to change my heart first.

I didn't want the responsibility, the pressure, or the weight of creating everything (academics, social life, structure) especially knowing my husband wouldn't be as involved. Honestly? I wanted freedom. I wanted quiet. I didn't want my life to feel harder.

But here's what I didn't realize: I was already living on a hamster wheel of stress. And homeschooling? It was actually the thing that helped me step off.

In this episode, I'm sharing what changed my mind, what I love about homeschooling now, and what I think we get wrong about it including socialization, struggle, and balance. Whether you're homeschooling, considering it, or think you never would, this one's for you.

You were made for more than survival. Step into peace and purpose through my Fully Immersed Mentorship → laurengaines.com/mentorship

LINKS: 🌐 Mentorship Info: laurengaines.com/mentorship 📱 Connect on Instagram: [@inspired.motherhood] 📖 My book "Unshakable Kids": [https://amzn.to/40GgrXg]

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure if you’re doing enough for God, your family, or your ministry? You’re not alone. Many of us begin with good intentions, but stop short when obedience becomes uncomfortable.

In this episode of Fully Immersed, we talk honestly about obedience to completion and what it looks like to follow God fully even when life feels hard, messy, or inconvenient.

• Why God values obedience over outward sacrifice

• How partial obedience can rob us of peace, clarity, and blessing

• A personal story of fasting, discomfort, and pushing through

• Biblical examples of “almost obedience” and its consequences (1 Samuel 15)

• The blessings God promises when we walk faithfully: peace, guidance, clarity, generational blessing, and fruit

• Encouragement for moms who feel pressure to do more while still stewarding their families well

• The Awe of God by John Bevere

• The Awe of God Bible Study by John Bevere

Scripture References: John 15:14 • Psalm 119:165 • Proverbs 3 • Proverbs 20:7 • Psalm 25:1 • Psalm 1 • 1 Samuel 15

📚 Lauren Gaines’ Book: Unshakable Kids — available on Amazon

👋 Connect with Lauren: Email: lauren@inspired-motherhood.com Instagram: @inspired.motherhood Websites: laurengaines.com | inspired-motherhood.com

Are you in the habit of asking God before you do something or do you ask Him to bless what you've already decided?

In this episode, we're looking at the life of David to discover what happens when we start something new WITHOUT inquiring of the Lord first. Even good things (ministry opportunities, family decisions, serving at church) can lead us astray when we do them in our own strength instead of God's way.

If you're starting 2026 with new dreams and goals, this episode will challenge you to pause, listen, and truly partner with God before taking your next step.

In This Episode:

• Why "good" decisions still need God's direction
• The difference between asking God to bless it vs. truly seeking His will
• What David's victory with the Philistines teaches us about inquiring of the Lord
• How to quiet the noise and actually hear God's voice
• The power of persistent prayer (and why Jesus will stop for you)

Resources Mentioned: Free 21-Day David Bible Reading Plan - grab it at https://inspired-motherhood.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/The-Life-of-David-Reading-Plan.jpg

Weekly Newsletter with exclusive freebies every Friday - sign up at https://inspiredmotherhood.myflodesk.com/youtube

If this episode encouraged you, I'd be so grateful if you'd leave a 5-star review and share it with a friend who needs to hear this message!

New episodes drop every other week. Subscribe so you never miss one!

Are you exhausted from trying to do everything perfectly? In this honest New Year episode, I'm sharing two convictions God has laid on my heart about letting go of the "doer" mentality and surrendering our bodies to Him instead of obsessing over wellness hacks.

We explore the story of Mary and Martha, what it truly means to abide in Jesus, and why we need to stop trying to earn God's love through perfect performance. If you've felt overwhelmed, burnt out, or like you're doing all the things for God but missing time with God, this episode is for you.

In this episode:

• Why being a "doer" might be keeping you from what matters most
• The danger of trying to manipulate God through perfect prayers and works
• How to surrender your body and health anxieties to God
• What Romans 12:1-2 reveals about giving our bodies as living sacrifices
• Why I'm shifting my podcast schedule to prioritize time with Jesus

Scripture references: Psalm 18, Luke 10:38-42, John 15:4, Romans 12:1-2

A note about my schedule: For January, I'll be posting every other week to create more space for sitting with God and writing devotionals.

Want more encouragement? Sign up for my weekly newsletter at https://inspiredmotherhood.myflodesk.com/youtube and check out my YouVersion devotionals on the Bible app (https://www.bible.com/organizations/54ff29ef-f53a-4d31-be4c-350ccb21ce3f)

Do you long to hear God’s voice but feel like He’s distant? In this episode, I share the key to hearing God clearly and it starts with understanding the fear of the Lord.

This isn’t fear like anxiety or worry; it’s reverence, awe, and a heart posture that draws you into His presence. I share scripture, studies, and practical insights to help you cultivate a lifestyle where God speaks, His Spirit moves, and you walk in wisdom and peace.

In This Episode: ✅ What the fear of the Lord really means and why it’s the beginning of wisdom ✅ How a correct heart posture transforms prayer and worship ✅ Why we often hear the wrong voices and miss God’s guidance ✅ How to stop fearing man and start fearing God

📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Proverbs 9:10 Proverbs 29:25 Deuteronomy 1:26

✨ Connect with Lauren: Mentoring: laurengaines.com/mentorship Book: Unshakable Kids — amzn.to/47RXSSM Instagram: @inspired.motherhood Website: laurengaines.com

A few years ago, I was driving down the highway in tears, terrified about a rare tumor diagnosis. One year later, I was on that same road crying again... but this time praising God for His miraculous healing.

Today I'm sharing my complete healing testimony from discovering a one-in-a-million desmoid tumor, to battling fear and the enemy's lies, to watching God shrink that mass and bless me with a miracle baby the doctors said I shouldn't have.

In This Episode:

• My scary diagnosis and the "why me?" spiral
• How I fought back with Scripture and prayer
• Why I got pregnant when doctors said not to
• The healing God brought over time
• Encouragement for your own healing journey

Healing Scriptures I listened to: https://youtu.be/0gQILVCBH8k?si=SH0DaXyx_mNZRD_4 and https://youtu.be/i_aTqy_v_0M?si=B1QfwwLl8-Y6XBdN

If you're facing a health challenge, feeling like God is far away, or waiting for your miracle this episode is for you. Healing is yours. By His stripes, you are healed.

Connect with Lauren: Mentoring: laurengaines.com/mentorship Book: Unshakable Kids — amzn.to/47RXSSM Instagram: @inspired.motherhood Website: laurengaines.com

Is your home fostering victory… or quietly slipping into defeat? In this episode, we wrap up the Peaceful Home series by looking at the spiritual atmosphere of your home and the role you play in shaping it.

We talk about: • How the words you speak set the tone for your home • Why worship and praise shift the atmosphere instantly • What constant media, news, and background noise do to your spirit • Why five minutes with God isn’t enough for the week • How to build a home where God’s presence feels welcome • Practical ways to protect what comes into your heart and mind

If you’ve been craving a home filled with peace, joy, and God’s presence this episode will gently challenge and encourage you to create a place where victory can flourish.

At the end, I’ll also share a simple question to help you invite more of God’s presence into your home this week.

Be sure to review Fully Immersed and share with a friend who needs to hear it!