Anchored Decisions

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
📍 Or follow along on Instagram @anchoreddecisions

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-based decision-making tips!

Connect with Me:

🌟 www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions
🌟 www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions
🌟 www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
🌐 www.anchoreddecisions.com
🛍️ www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

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
🌟 www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions
🌟 www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
🌐 www.anchoreddecisions.com
🛍️ www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

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

Connect with me on social media:
www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions
www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

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 – Bible verse artwork that inspired today’s episode
✨ Full show notes at 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
www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

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
✨ Kari’s Podcast Episode Featuring Lauren: lovedoesthat.org/177
✨ Rocketbook Notebook: getrocketbook.com
✨ Daily Kairos Journal: dailykairos.com
✨ Val Marie Paper Prayer Journal: 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
Free Journal Prompts + Resources: lovedoesthat.org/resources
Instagram: @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
www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

Show Notes

Every decision we make—big or small—creates ripple effects that impact far more than we often realize. In today’s episode, Lauren walks through real-life examples (including her own home renovation saga) to unpack how one decision can lead to a cascade of long-term relational, financial, and emotional consequences. Whether you're considering a job change, a big move, or a parenting choice, this episode will help you think beyond the surface and make decisions anchored in wisdom and faith.

Links From This Episode:

✨ Questioning to Confident Decision Guide — Use code PODCAST for 10% off
✨ Episode 22: Setting Your Kids up for Success: How to Inspire Career-Minded Thinking by Nurturing Your Children’s Strengths & Passions with Anna McLaughlin

Key Points:

🔑 Every decision has ripple effects that can show up spiritually, emotionally, relationally, physically, and financially
🔑 Cutting corners in one area (like building or renovating a home) can cost more later—financially and mentally
🔑 Even moral decisions (like lying at work) can create long-lasting relational consequences
🔑 Positive ripple effects—like those from intentional homeschooling—can shape a child’s future in powerful ways

Your Action Step for the Week:

Choose one decision—past or present—and journal through its ripple effects in the five impact zones: Spiritual, Emotional, Relational, Physical, Financial. Reflect on what that teaches you about how to approach your next big decision with wisdom and intention.

Connect with me on social media:
www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions
www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

Show Notes

Show Notes

In this episode of The Anchored Decision Show, Lauren sits down with financial advisor Jami McCree to take a deep dive into investing—what it looks like, when to start, and how to prioritize it alongside other financial goals. Jami shares her personal journey into financial advising, the biggest mistakes she sees families make when it comes to saving, and what she recommends to make the most of your income—whether you're just starting out or playing catch-up mid-career. You'll walk away with a clearer understanding of 401ks, Roth IRAs, and how to build a strong financial foundation that honors your long-term goals and faith-based values.

Links From This Episode:
✨ Chapman Capital Advisors
✨ Schwab MoneyWise: moneywise.schwab.com
✨ Synchrony Bank High-Yield Savings: synchronybank.com
✨ Index fund sites: Charles Schwab, Fidelity, E-Trade
✨ FREE Decision Compass for setting the lens from which you make decisions.

Key Points:
🔑 A strong financial strategy begins with knowing where your money is going—budgeting is step one.
🔑 Always take advantage of employer 401k matches—it's free money!
🔑 Build an emergency fund (3–6 months of expenses) to avoid relying on credit.
🔑 Pay down high-interest debt after establishing basic financial safety nets.
🔑 Aim to save at least 10% of your income toward retirement, increasing over time if you’re starting late.
🔑 Roth IRAs are great for younger or lower-income individuals, while pre-tax 401ks benefit higher earners.
🔑 The earlier you start saving, the more powerful compound interest becomes.

Your Action Step for the Week:
Sign up for a free Schwab MoneyWise account

Where to Connect with Jami:
✨ Website: chapmancapitaladvisors.com
✨ Facebook + Instagram: [@JamiMcCree at Chapman Capital]
✨ Local to Stuart, FL? You can meet with Jami in person

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-based decision-making tips!

Connect with Me:

🌟 www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions
🌟 www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions
🌟 www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
🌐 www.anchoreddecisions.com
🛍️ www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

Learn how to handle money with wisdom, purpose, and biblical truth.

In this episode of The Anchored Decision Show, Lauren sits down with Certified Financial Planner Emily Scott to talk about biblical financial planning. From creating a God-honoring budget to deciding what to invest in, Emily shares practical, grace-filled wisdom to help you approach your finances with intentionality and faith. She also opens up about her journey into financial planning, why stewardship is the foundation of wise money management, and how generosity helps us guard our hearts from idolizing wealth. Whether you're managing a household budget, planning for retirement, or teaching your kids about money, this episode is packed with insight and encouragement to help you walk in financial freedom.

Links From This Episode:

✨ Investing for Dummies
✨ Faith-based investors: Bob Dahl and Eventide
✨ Dave Ramsey — Financial Peace University
✨ Divine Discernment Workshop: www.anchoreddecisions.com/ddworkshop
✨ Show Notes & Links: www.anchoreddecisions.com/31

Key Points:

🔑 Stewardship means managing God’s resources wisely—not just giving a little back, but viewing all of it as His.
🔑 Financial goals are the GPS destination—budgeting and investing flow from knowing where you're headed.
🔑 Time in the market (not timing the market) is the key to growing wealth through investments.
🔑 God-honoring budgets start with giving and saving first, then spending what's left with intentionality.
🔑 Generosity is one of the best ways to guard your heart from greed and financial idolatry.
🔑 Couples thrive financially when they approach money conversations calmly, without blame or fear.
🔑 Teach kids early that money can be saved, spent, or shared—and let them practice with real examples.

Your Action Step for the Week:

🎯 Set your financial goals. As Emily says, it’s like setting the GPS—you can’t create a plan until you know your destination. Sit down with your spouse or a financial advisor and define where you're headed financially.

Connect with Emily:

🌟 Website: www.financiallyunbroken.com
🌟 Instagram: @financially_unbroken
🌟 Facebook: Emily Scott - Financial Planner 

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe for more faith-based decision-making tips!

Connect with Me:

🌟 www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions
🌟 www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions
🌟 www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
🌐 www.anchoreddecisions.com
🛍️ www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

Show Notes

AI is becoming more integrated into our daily lives—from simplifying tasks to generating content to helping us plan our weeks. But where’s the line between using AI as a tool and letting it take over? In this episode, I’m sharing the real ways I use AI in my personal life and business, along with where it’s fallen short—and why it should never replace our prayer life, critical thinking, or connection with others.

This is part two of my series on AI and decision-making. While last episode covered the dangers of relying on AI too much, this episode is all about how to use it wisely. I’ll walk you through best practices, common pitfalls, and how to make sure your decisions stay anchored in God—not an algorithm.

If you’re wondering how to use AI without losing your sense of direction, this episode is packed with practical tips and spiritual insight.

Links From This Episode:

✨ Part 1: Is AI Sabotaging Your Decision-Making? anchoreddecisions.com/30
✨ FREE Decision-Making Compass: anchoreddecisions.com/compass
✨ Follow me on Instagram: @AnchoredDecisions

Key Points:

🔑 How I use AI for writing, planning, content creation, and research
🔑 Where AI falls short—emotional depth, personal stories, local insight
🔑 Best practices for using AI with wisdom, not as a crutch
🔑 Why your identity, values, and spiritual foundation should lead your decisions
🔑 Do’s and Don’ts of AI use in your decision-making process

Connect with me on social media:
www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions
www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions
www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

Show Notes

AI is becoming a bigger part of how we make decisions — from choosing what we watch to making major financial decisions. But what happens when we rely on it too much? Could we be outsourcing our ability to think critically, seek God’s wisdom, and grow through the decision-making process?

In this episode, I’m breaking down how AI is already influencing our choices and why that’s not always a good thing. I’ll share the 6 reasons I hesitate to rely on AI for decision-making and what we might be sacrificing when we let technology take the lead.

You’ll learn practical ways to stay in control of your choices, why spiritual discernment is irreplaceable, and how to use AI wisely — without losing your God-given decision-making ability.

If you’ve ever felt tempted to let technology make choices for you, this episode is a must-listen.

Links From This Episode:

✨ Read My Full Thoughts on AI and Decision-Making: anchoreddecisions.com/chip
✨ Episode 29: What To Do If God Feels Silent: anchoreddecisions.com/29
✨ FREE Decision-Making Compass: www.anchoreddecisions.com/compass
✨ Show Notes & Links: www.anchoreddecisions.com/30

Key Points:

🔑 How AI is influencing our everyday decisions — and why that’s not always a good thing
🔑 The 6 reasons I’m hesitant to rely on AI for decision-making:

1. Loss of Spiritual Guidance

2. Legal and Moral Responsibility

3. Use It or Lose It (Weakening our decision-making skills)

4. Ignoring the Heart and Emotions

5. Lack of Context and Personal Insight

6. Disconnection from Community and Wise Counsel

🔑 Why critical thinking and spiritual discernment matter more than ever
🔑 How to use AI as a helpful tool without letting it control your choices


Bible Verses Mentioned:

📖 Proverbs 11:14 – “Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety.”
📖 James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
📖 Isaiah 30:21 – “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”

Connect with me on social media:
www.instagram.com/anchoreddecisions
www.facebook.com/anchoreddecisions
www.pinterest.com/anchoreddecisions

Check out my website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop