Anchored Decisions

Show Notes

Are you praying about a decision but feel like God is silent? In this episode, we dive into five biblical reasons you might not be hearing from God—and what you can do about it. You'll learn how God speaks today, ways you may have already heard from Him without realizing it, and practical steps to tune into His voice.

This teaching is pulled directly from my Divine Discernment Workshop, which walks you through how to seek and discover God’s direction for your decision. If you want the full 45-minute workshop + worksheet, grab it at anchoreddecisions.com/ddworkshop.

Whether you’re overwhelmed by a big decision or just unsure how to hear from God, this episode will give you biblical encouragement, practical tools, and renewed confidence to walk in faith—even when the answers don’t come right away.

Links From This Episode:

✨ Divine Discernment Workshop: anchoreddecisions.com/ddworkshop
✨ Decision-Making Guides: anchoreddecisions.com/shop
✨ Episode 26: The Single Most Important Factor in Your Decision Making www.anchoreddecisions.com/26
✨ YouVersion Bible App
✨ Show Notes & Links: www.anchoreddecisions.com/29

Bible verses mentioned:
📖 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.’”
📖 John 10:27 – “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.”
📖 1 Corinthians 15:33 – “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character.’”
📖 Romans 12:2 – “Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”
📖 Isaiah 59:2 – “Your iniquities have separated you from your God; your sins have hidden his face from you, so that he will not hear.”
📖 Psalm 66:18 – “If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened.”
📖 Proverbs 28:9 – “If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction, even their prayers are detestable.”
📖 James 4:3 – “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives…”
📖 Proverbs 21:13 – “Whoever shuts their ears to the cry of the poor will also cry out and not be answered.”
📖 1 Peter 3:7 – “Husbands… be considerate… so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”
📖 Isaiah 1:15 – “When you spread out your hands in prayer, I hide my eyes from you…”
📖 Jeremiah 14:11–12 – “Do not pray for the well-being of this people… I will not listen…”
📖 Acts 16:6 – “Paul and his companions were kept by the Holy Spirit from preaching the word in the province of Asia.”
📖 Habakkuk 1:5 – “I am going to do something in your days that you would not believe, even if you were told.”

Key Points:
🔑 5 reasons God may be silent when you’re praying over a decision
🔑 How to tell the difference between God’s voice, your own thoughts, and the enemy
🔑 Real stories of how God has spoken to me in my own life
🔑 Ways God speaks today: Scripture, inner peace or conviction, sermons, worship, wise counsel, The Holy Spirit (still small voice), circumstances, dreams or visions (less common, but still possible)
🔑 How to identify how God uniquely speaks to you
🔑 Reasons God may be silent when answering your prayers: Sin, closed doors, timing, he already spoke and you just haven’t obeyed, he may be giving you the freedom to choose
🔑 What to do when you’re given the freedom to choose and want to choose wisely
🔑 The importance of daily time in prayer and the Word

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

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

Are You Struggling to Decide Which Commitments to Take On?

In this episode of The Anchored Decisions Show, I’m joined by Joni Topper to talk about making wise decisions about commitments. Joni shares powerful stories about times when she faced tough decisions — like continuing to lead worship after a botched surgery and deciding whether to push forward with a children's choir when it seemed like everything was falling apart. We discuss how to assess your current commitments, recognize God’s guidance, and know when to say yes or when to let go. If you’ve ever struggled to figure out whether a commitment is truly from God, this episode is for you!

Links From This Episode:

✨ Find Joni’s book The Power of a Well-Placed Yes on Amazon
✨ Morning Glory Ministry: www.morningloryministry.com
✨ 40 Days of Decrease Devotional
✨ Do Hard Things Book
✨ Divine Discernment Workshop: How to Seek and Discover God’s Will for Your Decision www.anchoreddecisions.com/ddworkshop
✨ Show Notes & Links: https://anchoreddecisions.com/28

Key Points:

🔑 The powerful moment when Joni shared her testimony despite a hard week
🔑 Joni’s story of not backing out of the children’s performance — and how God showed up
🔑 How a handwritten note in purple ink confirmed God’s guidance
🔑 7 questions to ask yourself before taking on a commitment
🔑 How to know when a closed door is a sign to let go
🔑 Why peace at home matters when deciding whether to say yes or no

Your Action Step for the Week:

Take time this week to go through Joni’s assessment:

List your current commitments.

Pray about the decision.

Clarify if it’s short-term, long-term, or seasonal.

Evaluate how it aligns with your spiritual growth and gifts.

Ask if it will foster peace in your home or strain existing commitments.

Download my Decision Compass at anchoreddecisions.com/compass to help you clarify your next steps.

🔔 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

Are you torn between two big choices and don’t know which one is right for you? In this episode of Ask a Decision Coach, I help Marie navigate her decision between a fixer-upper with land or a move-in-ready home in a tight-knit community. Instead of relying on a pros and cons list, we use my SAIL Method to align her decision with her values, priorities, and long-term goals. If you’ve ever faced a major decision—whether it’s about housing, career, or family—this episode will give you a framework to move forward with confidence. Plus, learn how you can submit your own decision dilemma for a future episode!

Links From This Episode:
✨ Submit a Question for Ask a Decision Coach – anchoreddecisions.com/podcast
✨ Download My Free Decision Compass – anchoreddecisions.com/compass
✨ Decision Scorecard (Weighted Decision Matrix) – anchoreddecisions.com/scorecard
✨ How to Ditch Your Pros & Cons List and Make Better Decisions – www.anchoreddecisions.com/blog/simplify-tough-decisions-weighted-decision-scorecard
✨ The SAIL Method for Decision-Making – anchoreddecisions.com/4
✨ Show Notes & Links: anchoreddecisions.com/27

Key Points:
🔑 Why a pros & cons list won’t make your decision for you
🔑 How to identify whether your decision is about lifestyle, values, or practical needs
🔑 The SAIL Method: Self-Awareness, Impact, and Litmus Test
🔑 How past experiences can guide future decisions
🔑 Evaluating the long-term impact of your choice (financially, emotionally, spiritually, and relationally)
🔑 Problem-solving potential roadblocks creatively
🔑 Why no decision is permanent and how to give yourself grace in the process
🔑 How to use a weighted decision matrix to quantify your priorities

Your Action Step for the Week:
Start practicing better decision-making by clarifying your top values and priorities. Download my free Decision Compass at anchoreddecisions.com/compass and use it to set your foundation before making big decisions.

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

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

Are you struggling with decision-making and wondering if you're truly hearing from God? In this episode, I share my journey from being the world’s biggest overthinker to becoming a confident decision-maker, all by the grace of God. You'll hear how a last-minute calling led me to launch the 31 Days of Prayer Challenge in just 15 days—and how God's fingerprints were all over it. We’ll dive deep into the biggest factor in making better decisions—your relationship with God—and practical steps to strengthen your faith so you can confidently discern His will. Plus, I’ll give you an actionable challenge to start spending daily time with God and making Him a priority in your life.

Links From This Episode:
✨ 31 Days of Prayer Challenge – Join at anchoreddecisions.com/thrive2025
✨ Divine Discernment Workshop – Sign up at anchoreddecisions.com/ddworkshop
✨ My Blog Post on How God Called Me to Decision Coaching – https://www.anchoreddecisions.com/blog/from-burnout-to-calling
✨ The SAIL Method for Decision-Making – Listen to Episode 3 or read more on my blog
✨ ACTS prayer framework: Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication
✨ YouVersion Bible App
✨ MomCo faith-based mom's group
✨ Show notes & links: anchoreddecisions.com/26

Bible verses mentioned:
📖 James 4:8 - Draw near to God and he will draw near to you.
📖 Psalm 119:11 - I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.
📖 Jeremiah 29:13 - If you seek me, you will find me, if you seek me with all of your heart
📖 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.”

Key Points:
🔑 My history of struggling with indecision
🔑 How God called me to decision-making and why I finally had to commit
🔑 How I heard from God and acted fast, knowing it was from Him
🔑 The #1 factor in making better decisions: closeness with God
🔑 How overthinking, external dependence, decision fatigue, and insecurity in hearing from God keep us stuck
🔑 How to Hear God More Clearly in Your Decisions
🔑 Spending consistent time in prayer and Bible study
🔑 Journaling prayers to focus, reflect, and recognize God’s responses
🔑 Finding Christian community for encouragement and accountability
🔑 Practicing discernment—learning how God speaks to YOU
🔑 Your Action Step for the Week: Make daily time with God a non-negotiable habit—schedule it in your calendar!

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

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

In this episode, Lauren goes over a concept she learned years ago from the Andy Stanley Bible study called “The Principle of the Path.” The overall concept is to ask yourself, “What’s the wise choice.” To determine the wise choice, think about your end destination and let that determine the steps you take to get there. What direction are your actions leading you in, and are they helping you reach your goals or leading you down a path where you could say “How did I end up here?”

Links Mentioned:
· Decision Compass: www.AnchoredDecisions.com/compass
· Andy Stanley “Principle of the Path” Bible study
· Show Notes: www.AnchoredDecisions.com/25
· Podcast page: www.AnchoredDecisions.com/podcast

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

In this episode of the Anchored Decisions Show, Lauren Black welcomes guest Rachel Mitchell, a mother of two teenage boys, to discuss how to help children become good decision-makers. They talk about involving kids in the decision-making process, teaching kids about fasting, and Rachel’s decisions between homeschool and public school. Rachel shares her strategies for teaching kids to seek God's guidance in their decisions, practical parenting tips, and the importance of having intentional, scripture-based conversations with children. Don't miss out on Rachel’s insightful advice on raising children who make godly decisions.

Key points:

Rachel’s Parenting Journey: Rachel didn’t initially plan to be a stay-at-home or homeschooling mom but felt called to make that transition with God's guidance.

Transition Back to Public School: The decision to return to public school was led by God, sports opportunities, and a need for the children to use their gifts and abilities.

Role of Fasting in Decision-Making: Rachel and her family practice fasting as a spiritual discipline, using it to seek God's guidance during major decisions like returning to public school.

Fasting Involvement with Kids: Rachel introduced fasting to her children by encouraging them to give up certain foods like sugar as a way to connect with God and pray over decisions.

Discipleship Focus: Rachel emphasizes the importance of discipling her children, guiding them to follow Jesus in everyday life, and incorporating spiritual disciplines.

Teaching children decision-making: It’s crucial to teach your kids decision-making skills and how to seek God’s will, especially when they’re unsure if they’re hearing from God, the devil, or themselves.

Role of Scripture: Scripture plays a foundational role in Rachel’s family decisions, particularly verses like Proverbs 3:5-6 and Psalm 119:36.

Spiritual Habits: The family consistently instills spiritual habits, such as daily Bible reading, discussing scripture, and making healthy lifestyle choices.

Keeping Open Conversations with Your Kids: Conversations about decision-making, consequences, and seeking God’s will happen regularly in everyday situations, including while driving to school and during family walks.

Links Mentioned:

Anchored Decisions Episode 13: Entrice Rowe -- Helping Your Kids Make Good Decisions

Rachel's podcast episode on sending her kids back to public school – Living on Mission Episode 74

Rachel’s podcast episode on fasting – Living on Mission Episode 91

Wendy Speake 40-day Sugar Fast

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your path

Psalm 119:36: Bend my will to yours, Lord, and not toward selfish gain

Boy Mom by Monica Swanson

31 Prayers for My Son

Rachel’s Instagram: www.instagram.com/racheljmitchell

Rachel’s Podcast - Living on Mission

About Rachel:

Rachel is a follower of Christ for 19 years!  Wife to Matt for 20 years and mom to Henry (15) and Milo (13). She runs a successful faith and fitness business in which she leads women to become disciples of Christ in their everyday life and invite Him into the fight for their bodies.  Everyday is an opportunity to grow closer to Jesus and take up our cross and follow Him!

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

*Note: Some links might be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from the referral purchase at no extra expense to you. I only promote items I trust and believe in. Clicking these links helps support my show.

In this episode of The Anchored Decision Show, Lauren Black interviews interior designer Michaela Farwell from Fairspring Design. Together, they explore essential tips for honing your personal home design style, balancing trends with timeless choices, and ensuring your design flows seamlessly from room to room. Michaela shares insights from her design journey, discussing the art of blending styles and how to create spaces that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast or feeling overwhelmed by the many design choices, Michaela offers practical advice to help you manage projects without the stress. Plus, Lauren gives updates on her own home renovation projects, including her long-awaited decision on countertops. Tune in for expert insights and actionable strategies that will inspire you to transform your living spaces into a true reflection of your style.

Links:

Fairspring Design Website: www.fairspringdesign.com

Download Michaela’s exclusive 5-step home styling guide! Whether you're starting fresh or revamping your lifelong home, these simple and approachable steps will guide you through creating a beautiful and inviting space. From selecting timeless furniture pieces to adding the perfect finishing touches with fresh flowers, these FREE tips will give you the expert perspective you need to bring your design dreams to life: https://fairspringdesign.myflodesk.com/ivmo9u2qnf

Fairspring Construction: www.fairspringconstruction.com

Anchored Decisions Episode 11: Building your dream home: 6 steps to discovering your style, choosing aesthetics, and envisioning your design to create a house you love

About Michaela Farwell:
Founded on the belief that homes are meant to be lived in, loved, and shared with others. Michaela prioritizes comfort, functionality, and durability in her designs to ensure that they can support life’s everyday moments.

Michaela's passion for creating comfortable environments make clients feel at ease in their own homes. She encourages them to embrace the messiness of life and create spaces that are both beautiful and practical.

From family gatherings to intimate conversations, Fairspring Design creates spaces that embrace the full spectrum of life's moments. We understand that homes are more than just showpieces; they are the backdrop for life's most precious memories.

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction and Podcast Overview

00:56 Home Renovation Updates

03:55 Introducing Michaela Farwell

05:33 Michaela's Journey into Interior Design

09:18 Starting Your Design Project

18:22 Navigating Design Choices and Trends

23:55 Incorporating Soft Furnishings into Your Style

25:27 Current Trends and Personal Preferences

28:34 Balancing Aesthetics with Functionality

33:14 Making Interior Design Less Overwhelming

38:26 Lauren’s Update on Choosing the Perfect Countertop: Quartz vs. Quartzite

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

Check out the Anchored Decisions website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

*Note: Some links might be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from the referral purchase at no extra expense to you. I only promote items I trust and believe in. Clicking these links helps support my show.

In this episode of the Anchored Decisions podcast, host Lauren Black delves into the importance of helping children find their career paths early on. Inspired by her own experiences and volunteer work with youth groups, Lauren discusses the significance of guiding kids towards careers they are both passionate about and skilled in. She introduces Anna McLaughlin, a certified life coach and former corporate lawyer, who shares insights from her family's journey in homeschooling and encouraging career-focused education. Anna emphasizes the uniqueness of each child and the value of nurturing their individual gifts and passions. The episode explores practical tips for parents to help their children discover their paths, whether they are homeschooling or in traditional schools, highlighting the balance between supporting dreams and steering them toward realistic opportunities.

Key Discussion Points:

The Importance of Early Career Guidance: Addressing the common issue of students graduating without a clear career direction, leading to uninformed choices based solely on perceived financial benefits.

Personal Experiences: Sharing Anna's journey as a parent and how her experiences with her children have influenced her passion for helping them identify their unique paths.

Understanding Individual Differences: Discussing the inherent differences among children and how recognizing these can guide their future decisions.

Educational Paths and Career Fit: The importance of pursuing careers that align with individual identities and the dangers of following traditional educational paths without reflection.

Training Children in Their Unique Strengths: Emphasizing the biblical principle of "training up a child in the way he should go," focusing on understanding and nurturing each child's natural inclinations and gifts.

The Role of Challenges in Growth: Acknowledging that while children need to be well-rounded, it’s essential to focus on their strengths rather than forcing them into areas where they struggle.

Creating Opportunities for Exploration: How parents can provide opportunities for their children to engage in activities that align with their interests, fostering a sense of self-confidence and encouraging their passions.

Navigating Traditional Schooling Limitations: Examining how traditional education often fails to address individual strengths and the potential for unrecognized career opportunities.

Celebrating Unique Callings: Encouraging parents to affirm their children’s uniqueness and help them navigate their identities, ensuring they feel valued and understood.

Real-Life Examples: The host shares stories of her children’s evolving interests and how they are discovering their paths, including her oldest child's entrepreneurial spirit and passion for creativity.

Listener Takeaways:

Parents should encourage their children to explore their passions, even if they change over time.

It’s essential to create a nurturing environment where children feel free to express their interests without the pressure of traditional expectations.

Helping children define their strengths can lead to more meaningful and fulfilling career paths.

Links:

Anchored Decisions Episode 21: How I decided to send my kids to public school as a Christian

School Decision Bundle: www.anchoreddecisions.com/schoolbundle

Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it. - Proverbs 22:6

"The Journey of Desire" by John Eldredge

Romans 8:28 – And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose

Westminster Shorter Catechism #1:
Q: What is the chief end of man?
A: Man's chief end is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.

529 Savings Plan instead of Florida PrePaid

Connect with Anna: SheConsidersAField.com

About Anna McLaughlin:

Anna McLaughlin is a certified life coach, investor, entrepreneur and encourager, specializing in equipping homeschooling entrepreneur women of faith to build a legacy of peace, purpose and JOY.

After five years as a corporate lawyer with a global law firm, Anna chose to leave her career so that she could craft a life and entrepreneurial journey that allowed her to invest her time and talents in her family first. Now, she helps powerhouse women of faith navigate the Proverbs 31 invitation in their own lives - how they can know their purpose and OWN it unapologetically - both at home and in the marketplace. She does this through her podcast, She Considers a Field; coaching; and her wellness business.

Time Stamps:
00:00 Introduction to Today's Topic

02:16 Last Week's Episode Recap

04:04 Meet Anna McLaughlin

05:37 Anna's Family and Homeschooling Journey

08:02 Understanding Children's Unique Paths

19:14 Balancing Passions and Practicality

24:56 Rethinking the Value of College Degrees

26:09 Entrepreneurial Spirit in the Family

26:53 Alternative Education Paths

29:40 Encouraging Children's Unique Talents

31:01 Faith and Career Paths

33:28 Supporting Kids' Career Exploration

38:40 Practical Steps for Career Preparation

42:45 Balancing School and Personal Growth

46:05 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion

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

Check out the Anchored Decisions website and decision guide shop:
www.anchoreddecisions.com
www.anchoreddecisions.com/shop

*Note: Some links might be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from the referral purchase at no extra expense to you. I only promote items I trust and believe in. Clicking these links helps support my show.

Questioning whether you should send your child to public school as a Christian? In this episode, I share about the struggles with choosing a school for your child as a Christian — not just for the academics, but for a well-rounded social, emotional and educational intelligence. I share my journey of selecting a school for my child, including the various options I was considering and my pros and cons for each — public school, private Christian schools, charter school, homeschooling, and homeschool/private hybrid. I then share how I made my decision, using my decision-making framework, SAIL Method, which includes factors such as self-awareness, research, and prayer. I hope my story of choosing a school for my son helps you make an informed, personal decision for what’s best for your family.

KEY POINTS:

Importance of School Choice:

Impacts on friendships, education, and social abilities

The decision is significant but not irreversible; changes can be made if needed

Personal Story:

Considerations of school districts when buying a house

The importance of living in a good school district

Public School Pros and Cons (09:12):

My Pros: Proximity to home, A-rated school, government-funded opportunities, local friendships, special education support

My Cons: Secular environment and curriculum, culture conflicts, safety concerns

Christian Private School Pros and Cons (14:20):

My Pros: Smaller class sizes, Christian environment, rigorous academics

My Cons: High tuition, less time for family activities, proximity to friends

Charter School Pros and Cons (17:29):

My Pros: Classical curriculum, discipline, free tuition, strong academic focus

My Cons: Long commute, car line issues, scattered student base, limited extracurriculars and sports

Homeschool Pros and Cons (21:05):

My Pros: Curriculum control, flexibility, personalized education

My Cons: No break for parents, less social interaction, potential for household chaos

Homeschool Hybrid Pros and Cons (25:16):

My Pros: Social opportunities, flexible schedules, less parental teaching burden

My Cons: Expensive, less flexible than homeschooling, curriculum restrictions

Decision-Making Framework (SAIL Method):

Cover this decision in prayer, first and foremost

Self-Awareness: Evaluate family needs and child’s personality, complete research (School tours, parent/staff feedback)

Impact: Consider the impact of each school option on your family financially, physically, emotionally, relationally, spiritually and academically

Litmus test: Consider the most important factors and list them in order of priority for your family to determine which option supports your goals/desires the best

LINKS MENTIONED:

Blog post interview with Elizabeth Spencer on her journey with public school: anchoreddecisions.com/blog/sending-christian-kids-to-public-school

School Decision bundle: www.anchoreddecisions.com/schoolbundle

K-12 School Decision Guide

School Research & Comparison Guide

Start Smart School Checklist

Use code “podcast” for 10% off your purchase

Episode 4: Pros and cons list leaving you confused? Use THIS for your decisions instead!

Episode 3: 3 Steps to Easier Decisions Using the SAIL Method - Our Signature Decision-Making Framework

Awanas — Christian kids ministry

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

*Note: Some links might be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from the referral purchase at no extra expense to you. I only promote items I trust and believe in. Clicking these links helps support my show.

Struggle with negative thoughts, making assumptions or self-criticism? In this episode, Lauren provides a 3-step process for extinguishing the negative voices in your head and distinguishing what's true. Catch your lies and negative thoughts before they lead you down a rabbit hole that affects your mood, your words, your actions and your emotions.

Key points:

3 Steps to Know and Live by the Truth

STEP 1: Take captive the negative

Catch the lies and negative thoughts before they start affecting your mood, your actions or your words.

2 Corinthians 10:5 — “Take captive every thought and make them obedient to Christ.”

Types of thoughts we entertain:

If-Then

•    If my friend cancels on our girl’s night… then it must mean she doesn’t care about me 


•    If my house is a mess… then my life must be a mess.  


•    If I ask someone for help… then I must be weak 


If Only…

•    If only I was more like... 


•    If only I was better at... 


•    If only I hadn’t done... 


•    If only I had more... 


Because

•    I’m not worthy of God’s blessings because I’m not consistent in my walk with Him 


•    I’m not qualified for a leadership role because I’ve made mistakes in this area before 


•    I am a failure of a wife because I snapped at my husband tonight 


What if...

•    What if someone were to break into our house while I’m home alone with the kids? 


•    What if something happens to my husband or my kids? 


•    What if I get sick and can’t take care of my family? 


•    What if the economy crashes and we lose our jobs and our house?

STEP 2: Put your thoughts on trial

Need to distinguish between what’s true and what’s false

There are three key ingredients to a trial:

1. The defendant is innocent until proven guilty, not the other way around. 


2. All witnesses vow to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. This is critical, since just pieces of the truth can skew your perception. 


3. There must be enough evidence for all jurors to come to a unified conclusion. 


These thoughts are innocent until proven guilty… or false until proven as truth.

Here are 10 ways to investigate your thoughts and discover the truth:

1. Do a fact check

2. Assume the best

3. Look for the positive

4. Turn to the Bible

5. Pray

6. Turn to the other person

7. Turn to wise counsel

8. Do a background check

9. Look at the big picture

10. Check your perspective

Romans 12:2 says, "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is--his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

STEP 3: You need a fact to act

If your investigation was inconclusive, you have to let it go.

If you found the truth, live in that (even if it means fessing up to your mistakes)

Play the “what if” for the future. What if I reach out to my friend to see if she’s OK? What if I make an effort to view things through other’s perspectives from the start? What if I assume the best?

Philippians 4:8 “Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--think about such things.”

Links Mentioned:

Free handout with notes from this episode: https://anchoreddecisions.ck.page/5db29a2929

From ad — Decision Compass: www.anchoreddecisions.com/decisionguide

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

*Note: Some links might be affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission from the referral purchase at no extra expense to you. I only promote items I trust and believe in. Clicking these links helps support my show.