In this episode, Melissa brings back registered dietitian, wife, and mom of three, Cassie Groeschel, to talk all things meal prep, family meals, picky eaters, and raising kids who actually know how to cook. Cassie shares how she went from burnt-out, multi-job-working mom to a woman who uses simple meal prep routines to buy back hours of her week and reclaim evenings with her family. She breaks down why meal prep doesn’t have to mean “half your Sunday in the kitchen,” how to use tiny pockets of time (like when the toast is in the toaster!) to prep, and why cooking is a lost life skill we desperately need to bring back for our kids. You’ll hear practical, grace-filled strategies for: How to meal prep in small pockets of time instead of marathon Sundays Why cooking at home is tied to better health, connection, and confidence Simple, age-appropriate ways to get toddlers, kids, and teens helping in the kitchen How to handle picky eaters with more intention and less frustration What to do before you overhaul your meals: pantry resets, life-season audits, and realistic goals How Cassie’s Busy Mom Meal Prep Course helps you reduce decision fatigue, feed your family well, and stop dreading the “What’s for dinner?” question If you’re a busy mom who is tired of scrambling at 5 p.m., wants her kids to learn real-life kitchen skills, and desires more peaceful, screen-free family dinners, this one will speak right to you. 🔗 Links Mentioned in This Episode Cassie’s Website Learn more about Cassie, her work with families, and her resources: 👉 wellnessthatfits.com Cassie on Instagram Follow Cassie for practical, realistic wellness and meal prep tips for busy moms: 👉 @wellnessthatfits Cassie’s Podcast Wellness That Fits – launching around the time of this episode, where Cassie shares more about nutrition, family wellness, and realistic health strategies for busy women. https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/wellness-that-fits/id1845172688 ⏱ Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 – Welcome Back, Cassie! Meal Prep, Family Time & Picky Eaters 00:47 – Cassie’s Story: Burnout, Multiple Jobs & Finding Meal Prep 03:31 – “I Don’t Have Time to Meal Prep”: Mindset Shifts That Change Everything 04:38 – Tiny Pockets of Time: Prepping Lettuce While the Toast Toasts 06:11 – Reducing Food Waste with Freezer Hacks (Spinach, Carrots & More) 07:39 – Cooking as a Lost Life Skill & Why It Matters for Our Kids 09:43 – From Convenience Culture to Food Literacy and Emotional Connection 10:52 – Life Skills Camp: Letting Kids Wash, Chop & Use Knives Safely 11:42 – Age-Appropriate Kitchen Tasks: Toddlers to Bigger Kids 13:37 – Teaching Food Safety, Raw Meat Handling & Modeling in the Kitchen 14:56 – Making It Fun: Music, Theme Nights & Confidence in the Kitchen 16:12 – Spiritual & Emotional Connection Around the Table (Gratitude & Prayer) 18:46 – Patience, Screens Off & Building Social-Emotional Skills at Mealtime 20:04 – Mindful Eating vs Screens: Brain-Gut Connection & Feeling Satisfied 22:03 – Picky Eaters: Lists, Favorites & Involving Kids in Decisions 24:26 – Kids Packing Their Own Lunches: Setting Them Up for Success 27:43 – Teaching Where Food Comes From: Grocery Trips & Food Literacy 28:44 – Kids Are More Capable Than We Think: Melissa’s Lunch Story 28:56 – Inside the Busy Mom Meal Prep Course: Life Season Audit 30:17 – Pantry Reset, Core Ingredient Prep & Diverse Meals from the Same Base 32:35 – Kid Lunches Formula: Protein + Grain + Fruit + Veggie 33:34 – Reducing Decision Fatigue: Sustainable, Nutritious Meal Planning 34:34 – Why Decision Fatigue Is Real & How Meal Prep Can Help 34:56 – Where to Find Cassie & Her Busy Mom Meal Prep Course (with Discount Code) 35:32 – Melissa’s Testimony: High-Protein, High-Iron Wins with Her Boys 36:14 – Encouragement, Impact & Cassie’s Upcoming Podcast 37:20 – Closing Encouragement: Stay Anchored with Purpose Busy Mom Meal Prep Course + Discount

In this powerful conversation, Melissa sits down with Meghan Lemery-Fritz, LCSW — a licensed clinical social worker with over 25 years of experience — to talk about healthy boundaries, emotional safety, narcissistic family members, and how to protect your peace during the holidays as a Christian woman. Meghan shares how her Catholic + charismatic upbringing, her mom’s late-in-life social work career, and even old HBO movies sparked her fascination with relationships and human behavior. From there, she unpacks what boundaries actually are (and what they’re not), why so many Christian women confuse self-abandonment with holiness, and how the Holy Spirit often speaks through our discomfort, intuition, and lack of peace. You’ll hear practical, faith-filled guidance on: What a healthy boundary really is (hint: it’s about your actions, not their behavior) How to recognize when you’re dysregulated, drained, or ignoring your intuition Why “being nice” and being kind are not the same — and how authenticity is actually more Christ-like How to prepare for family gatherings with a clear plan, exit strategies, and time limits What to do if you’re dealing with a narcissistic or emotionally unhealthy relative Why it’s okay — and sometimes necessary — to go low contact or no contact How to say no without over-explaining, and how to stop abandoning yourself in the name of “being a good Christian” This episode is especially timely if you’re heading into Thanksgiving, Christmas, or extended-family events and already feeling anxious, guilty, or overwhelmed Chapters 00:00 – Welcome & Introduction to Meghan Lemery-Fritz 00:39 – Meghan’s Family, Faith Background & Local Connection 02:11 – How HBO Movies, Bible Study, and Her Mom’s Career Shaped Her Calling 05:41 – Growing Up Catholic with a Charismatic, Scripture-Rooted Twist 07:29 – What Is a Healthy Boundary (and What It’s Not)? 10:00 – Are Boundaries Unloving? A Catholic Perspective on Dignity & Self-Respect 12:45 – Dysregulation, Intuition, and the Holy Spirit’s “Still Small Voice” 15:27 – People-Pleasing vs Inspiration: Are You a Cheerful Giver? 16:18 – Nice vs Kind: Serving from Ego vs Serving from the Spirit 18:39 – Self-Abandonment, Oxygen Masks, and Feeling “Dead Inside” 20:27 – Time in the Word, Quiet, and Why We Need Space to Heal 22:04 – Practicing “No”: Simple Phrases for Protecting Your Peace 23:25 – The Power of Authenticity: The Strongest Energy in the Room 24:44 – Holiday Triggers: Birth Order, Old Patterns, and Family Expectations 27:51 – Melissa’s Christmas Story & Redefining What the Day Looks Like 29:35 – Discomfort as Information: Listening to Your Body (Not Just “Anxiety”) 30:54 – Setting Clear Expectations: Offensive vs Defensive Boundaries 32:14 – Safe Words, Exit Plans, and Handling Intrusive Questions 33:44 – Hosting, Over-Functioning, and Letting Others Help 35:27 – “I Have Anxiety” vs “I Have Feelings”: Learning to Hold Space 36:16 – Narcissistic & Emotionally Unhealthy Family Members: First Steps 37:40 – Low Contact, No Contact & Moving Toward Safety as a Christian 40:14 – How You Feel Around Someone as a Clue to Personality Disorders 42:38 – Where to Find Meghan Online & Her Personality Disorder Content 44:41 – Melissa’s Closing Thoughts & Meghan’s Upcoming Podcast 🔗 Links Mentioned in the Episode Meghan’s Telehealth Psychotherapy Practice Fritz & Tanger Psychotherapy (serving clients in Pennsylvania, Vermont, Colorado, New York, and New Hampshire) 👉 https://www.fritzstanger.com/  https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists/meghan-lemery-fritz-glens-falls-ny/1051148 Meghan on TikTok – Personality Disorders & Boundaries Short, powerful “crash course” videos on personality disorders, narcissism, boundaries, and emotional health 👉https://www.tiktok.com/@personalitydisordercoach?_r=1&_t=ZP-91B6y1NRN1D  or  Search “Personality Disorder Coach” on TikTok Healthy boundaries Christian women, Catholic boundaries, C

Ever feel like your to-do list is running you instead of the other way around? 🌀 The appointments, the kids’ activities, hosting responsibilities, family coming to town, holiday prep, and somewhere in there — you still need time to breathe? In today’s episode, Melissa gets honest about overwhelm, anxiety, and the powerful practice that helps her reset and return to peace every single week: faith-first planning using the weekly spread inside the Anchored With Purpose Planner. Inside this episode, you'll learn: ✨ Why God cares about how you use your time ✨ The science behind writing down tasks + reducing anxiety ✨ How to turn a mental spiral into calm clarity ✨ The one weekly focus that keeps you grounded ✨ How to brain-dump and sort tasks with intention ✨ Why scheduling tasks makes you 3x more likely to finish them ✨ Color-coding, time-blocking, and stepping into stewardship ✨ A gentle reminder that planning ≠ perfection — it’s progress And most importantly — how your planner can become a place of peace, a sanctuary where you meet God, breathe deeply, and choose purpose over panic.   🧠 Key Takeaways Your planner is not just paper — it's peace Start your week with God, not your calendar A weekly focus keeps you aligned with your calling Scripture anchors your mind and heart Writing tasks down frees your brain to breathe Time-blocking turns intention into action Celebrate wins — big and small — to cultivate gratitude & joy Consistency over  perfection 📌 Links Mentioned Grab the FREE sample of the Anchored With Purpose Planner 👉 https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2 Anchored With Purpose Faith Journal 👉https://a.co/d/bGAJpU5 📱 Let’s Connect Tag me on Instagram when you're doing your weekly planning — I LOVE seeing your spreads and cheering you on! @anchoredwithpurpose or @melissajwilkinson  🎧 Listen + Share If this episode blessed you, share it with a friend who needs peace, clarity, and a reminder that she doesn’t have to hustle — she can plan with God.

This month, we’re celebrating something powerful — Global Bible Month with the YouVersion Bible App. With more than one billion downloads, the Bible App has put God’s Word into the hands and hearts of people all over the world — including right here in our community. In this episode, Melissa shares how daily Scripture — whether through a physical Bible or the Bible App — has grounded her, guided her, and helped her stay anchored through busy seasons, motherhood, and life’s unexpected moments. You’ll hear simple, practical ways to spend time with God each day, how to use features inside the YouVersion app like streaks, prayer prompts, and Bible plans, and why even one verse a day can reshape your heart and your home. 📲 Download the Bible App: Download The Bible App Now - 100% Free  💁🏻‍♀️ Join me on the Bible App: https://www.bible.com/users/mjwilkinson41 📖 Read the Rebuilt Faith Bible Plan: https://www.bible.com/en/reading-plans/62006 Get your FREE Anchored with Purpose Planner: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2  🎧 Episode Chapters 00:00 — Welcome & Why Global Bible Month Matters 01:05 — When Life Feels Loud & Full 02:20 — “Scripture Gives Time Back” 04:00 — The Bible App as a Lifeline 05:15 — Searching Scripture by Emotion or Topic 07:00 — Verse of the Day & Daily Devotions 08:40 — Sharing Scripture in Everyday Conversations 09:45 — Guided Prayer & Tracking Prayer Requests 11:20 — Streaks + Staying Consistent 13:15 — Bible Reading Plans 16:07 — Reading Plans With Friends 17:25 — My Favorite Physical Bible 18:20 — The “Rebuilt Faith” Plan 20:10 — Habits, Grace, & James Clear Wisdom 22:00 — Gratitude for the YouVersion Milestone 23:30 — Your Invitation to Join the Challenge YouVersion Bible App, Global Bible Month, Bible reading habit, daily Scripture routine, Christian morning routine, Catholic Bible plan, Rebuilt Faith YouVersion plan, Bible App streaks, faith habits for moms, verse of the day devotional

This week on the Anchored with Purpose podcast, I’m sharing something a little different — not about goal setting or productivity, but about joy. The kind of joy that sneaks up on you when you least expect it, the kind God brings right into your lap… sometimes literally, with fur, wrinkles, and curly tails. Our family just adopted two new pug puppies, Duke and Duchess, from Green Mountain Pug Rescue, and they’ve completely stolen our hearts. After losing our beloved Olive in 2020 and Frank the Tank earlier this year, our house felt quiet — like something was missing. But God, in His goodness, knew exactly how to fill that space again. In this episode, I’m sharing the full story — from how Olive and Frank first became part of our lives, to the long wait, the adoption process, and the moment Duke and Duchess came home. You’ll hear how God used these little rescue pups to remind me that He truly cares about the small details of our lives — even the four-legged ones. What You’ll Hear: How our family’s pug story began — and how each one “found” us What the waiting season taught me about God’s timing The sweet reminder that joy often returns in small, unexpected ways How Duke and Duchess have brought laughter and light back into our home Let’s Stay Connected: Instagram: @anchoredwithpurpose Website: anchoredwithpurpose.com

 Can you believe it’s been one year of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast?  In this special anniversary episode, Melissa celebrates a year of showing up together — growing in faith, rediscovering purpose, and dreaming big again. She shares heartfelt reflections, lessons learned, and encouragement for anyone who’s ever felt afraid to start before they were ready. From nervous beginnings to building a thriving community, Melissa reminds us that obedience matters more than perfection, your story can set someone else free, and God multiplies what we surrender. Whether you’ve listened since day one or you’re just joining the Anchored with Purpose family, this episode will inspire you to keep trusting God with your next step and your big dreams. Get your FREE copy of the Anchored with Purpose planner here: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2 In This Episode You’ll Learn: The heart behind the Anchored with Purpose Podcast Why obedience > perfection in any dream or calling How God uses your story to impact others What happens when you surrender control and say “yes” to God Encouragement for stepping into your next season with faith and confidence Connect with Melissa: Instagram: @anchoredwithpurpose Website: anchoredwithpurpose.com Leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share your favorite episode!

Melissa sits down with Kristin DeVan—mom of four, campus minister, and longtime Nativity/Rebuilt ministry leader—to talk about raising kids in the Catholic faith, simple family faith habits, and building a home culture rooted in Jesus (without perfection or pressure). Kristin shares how serving as a kid ignited her calling, how liturgical seasons help families, practical ways to pray with little ones, and why small groups matter for moms. You’ll hear honest encouragement on burnout, boundaries, and keeping your cup filled while you pour into your family and church. Get your FREE copy of the Anchored with Purpose planner here: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2 What you’ll learn How early serving in church shaped Kristin’s calling and faith Simple, realistic family faith rhythms (prayer before meals, bedtime intentions, worship music) Using liturgical seasons (Advent, Lent) to engage kids who think in “seasons” Why modeling matters more than perfection (parents as visible disciples) Small groups for moms: going deeper, being known, and staying filled Guarding against comparison and online perfection; choosing voices that encourage Practical resources: saints books for kids, worship music (Forrest Frank), Hallow app Chapters 0:00 – God-orchestrated friendship & fun-size besties 1:25 – Kristin’s story: serving at 8 years old → theology → campus ministry 8:55 – Nativity/Rebuilt snapshot: one church, one message, excellence 11:30 – Keeping faith central with four kids: simple, consistent habits 15:25 – Practical traditions: mealtime prayer, bedtime intentions, music, saints books 18:30 – Worship music & Scripture: memorizing through lyrics 20:30 – Real-talk: avoiding pressure and perfection; doing what fits your family 22:45 – Hallow app, rosary readiness, and meeting kids where they are 24:20 – Small groups for moms: virtual after-bedtime & going deep 26:10 – Encouragement for moms in every season: grace > perfection Keywords: Catholic moms, Catholic family life, family faith practices, liturgical living for families, Catholic parenting, motherhood and faith, small groups for moms, Rebuilt Parish, Nativity Church, worship music for kids, saints for kids, prayer with children, Catholic women encouragement, balance for busy moms

Can you believe there are less than 90 days left in the year? Most people will hit pause and coast through the rest of the season — but not you, friend.  In this episode, Melissa Wilkinson shares faith-filled encouragement and practical strategies to help you finish the year strong. You’ll learn how to reflect on your goals, re-align your priorities, and take intentional steps toward the dreams God has placed on your heart. Through Scripture, research, and personal stories, Melissa walks you through how to create small, consistent habits that build momentum before January even arrives — because better is the end of a thing than its beginning (Ecclesiastes 7:8). Whether you’re feeling behind, overwhelmed, or just ready for a reset, this episode will help you find clarity, peace, and purpose as you close out the year with intention and grace. 💡 What You’ll Learn: Why how you finish the year matters more than how you started it How to reflect on your 2025 goals — and release the ones that no longer fit Faith-based strategies to stay grounded when life feels busy How to build “atomic habits” that help you end the year strong The power of planning with purpose (and how to use your planner as a faith tool) How to set one “next right step” each week for meaningful progress Tips for prayer journaling, celebrating weekly wins, and planning with joy How gratitude, faith, and focus work together to create momentum 🕒 Chapters & Time Stamps: 0:00 — Why finishing the year strong matters 2:00 — The truth about New Year’s resolutions and building momentum early 4:00 — Revisiting your goals and reflecting on what still matters 6:00 — Systems, not goals: Lessons from Atomic Habits 8:00 — The Anchored with Purpose Planner: building structure and faith into your days 10:00 — Melissa’s personal story: health goals, gym challenges, and finding motivation 14:00 — The power of small habits and daily discipline 17:00 — Using your planner to track prayers, gratitude, and wins 22:00 — Giving yourself permission to adjust your goals 25:00 — Dreaming with God: setting new intentions for the coming year 28:00 — The final challenge: plant one small seed before December 31st 🧩 Resources Mentioned: Anchored with Purpose Planner: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2  Atomic Habits by James Clear: https://a.co/d/5y2MODN  The Dream Manager by Matthew Kelly: https://a.co/d/aiBBU8K Anchored with Purpose: anchoredwithpurpose.com  faith-based goal setting, finish the year strong, Christian motivation, end of year reflection, Catholic women podcast, faith and planning, building habits that last, Christian time management, journaling and prayer habits, momentum for the new year, intentional living, Anchored with Purpose podcast

In this faith-filled conversation, Melissa sits down with Dr. Tennille Woodward—educator-turned-speaker, leadership coach, and national conference presenter—to talk about women in leadership, emotional intelligence, and what it really takes to live and lead in alignment. Tenille shares how she moved from corporate finance to the classroom to the principal’s office, and now to the keynote stage, helping women own their influence (Maxwell: “leadership is influence”) at work, at home, and in their faith communities. They unpack burnout, how to notice the early rumble strips (shoutout to From Drift to Drive), why “taking up space” matters, and practical ways to give and receive feedback with grace. If you’ve ever wondered, “Am I really a leader?”—this episode says yes and shows you how to step forward with purpose. Connect with Dr. Tennille Woodward:Website: growleadempower.com (coaching, speaking, workshops) What you’ll learn: Why every woman is a leader (influence at home, work, church) The difference between performance and purpose—and a tiny shift you can make this week How to spot burnout before it breaks you (the “rumble strips” metaphor) Emotional intelligence as the key to stewarding influence (and how to grow it) A simple way to practice healthy feedback (beyond “good job”) What alignment looks like when your vision, values, and actions move in the same direction Why it’s okay to “take up space”—and how to build the courage to do it Chapters 0:00 — God-orchestrated meeting: Maxwell Conference + a wild connection story 2:45 — Tenille’s path: corporate finance → education → principal → leadership speaker 5:30 — “Leadership is influence”: why women already lead (even if they don’t claim it) 8:15 — Movie-themed archetypes: Scene Stealer, Plot Twister, Silent Extra 11:30 — Avoiding pendulum swings & finding alignment 15:00 — Emotional intelligence at home, work, and church 17:30 — Feedback that forms people (not just “good job”) 20:10 — Moms, boundaries, and the courage to say “no, thank you” 23:10 — From performance to purpose: one small shift this week 24:20 — Where to find Tenille + connect for coaching Resources & mentions: Chris Robinson, From Drift to Drive (burnout & “rumble strips”) - https://a.co/d/5pzcvnK  Melissa’s Free Planner: Weekly “Prayer Requests” box (top right) + “Weekly Wins” box (bottom right) to build faith, focus, and momentum: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2 Keywords: women in leadership, Christian women leadership, faith-based leadership, emotional intelligence for women, burnout recovery, boundaries for moms, leadership alignment, John Maxwell leadership, purpose-driven living, feedback culture, motherhood and leadership, female keynote speaker

In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa shares encouragement for holding onto faith when the world feels heavy. With recent tragedies close to home and across the country, it’s easy to feel shaken or overwhelmed. But even in heartbreaking times, we can anchor ourselves in prayer, community, and the goodness of God. Key Takeaways: Why it’s okay to bring your honest questions and grief to God How prayer connects us to Him and to each other The simple but powerful impact of asking, “How can I pray for you?” Using the Anchored with Purpose Planner to track prayer requests and celebrate weekly wins Choosing to focus on the good as an act of faith and resilience Get your FREE copy of the Anchored with Purpose planner here: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2 Chapters: 0:00 – When the world feels scary and life feels heavy 2:00 – Wrestling with God in hard times 4:40 – The power of prayer and community 7:00 – Writing down prayer requests in the planner 9:20 – Weekly wins: focusing on the good 12:00 – A word of encouragement for Spring Grove and beyond 14:30 – Closing prayer and blessing

Writer, retreat leader, and spiritual director Mary de Turris Poust joins Melissa to unpack how ordinary moments—oatmeal breakfasts, folding laundry, school drop-offs—become encounters with God. From the domestic church and parenting to gratitude practices, silent retreats, and learning to “stop striving” (Psalm 46), Mary offers simple, doable rhythms for busy women who want a deeper spiritual life without guilt or overwhelm. 🗓️ Get your FREE Anchored with Purpose Planner for the last 4 months of the year! https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2  Highlights The pivot from “business of the Church” to truths of the faith How the domestic church forms kids—then learning to let go as they launch Why gratitude shifts us from lack to abundance (Mary’s journal is 9,000+ entries!) Easy family practices: gratitude jar, numbered nightly “3 things” Praying in the everyday: mindful meals, pots & pans spirituality (St. Teresa of Ávila) A gentle path into silence: start with five minutes, silent breakfasts, car quiet What silent retreat is (and isn’t): removing crutches (no reading/writing/eye contact!) Retreats Mary leads: silence, scripture, art & music, collage prayer, “puzzle as meditation” When you “can’t hear God”: trust, begin again, and embrace the journey as the goal Scripture & Wisdom Mentioned Psalm 46:10 — “Be still… / Cease fighting… / Stop striving and know that I am God.” St. Teresa of Ávila — “God walks among the pots and pans.” St. Catherine of Siena — “All the way to heaven is heaven.” Try This Week Create a small sacred space (chair, candle, scripture/holy card). Practice five minutes of silence once a day (car, kitchen prep, early morning). Start a gratitude habit: write and number 3 daily thanks or use a family gratitude jar. Resources & Links Mary DeTurris Poust — https://notstrictlyspiritual.com/  Mary’s Advent book (Liturgical Press) - https://litpress.org/Products/6872/Waiting-in-Joyful-Hope Calls to Action If this encouraged you, share it with a friend and leave a rating/review. Tag us with your gratitude jar or quiet-time space!

Our lives are shaped by our habits — for better or for worse. The small choices we make every day either anchor us in peace and purpose or leave us drifting and overwhelmed. In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa unpacks why habits matter, how they connect to our faith, and the simple, practical ways to start building habits that actually last. Drawing on insights from The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and Atomic Habits by James Clear, Melissa shares how to: See habits as stewardship of the gifts God has entrusted to us Shift from goal-chasing to identity-based habits that stick Use habit stacking to add new rhythms without adding extra time Shape your environment so your habits become easy and natural Track and celebrate habits with a planner (and why that matters!) Embrace progress over perfection when habits slip Friend, your habits are shaping your life right now — but with God’s help, you get to choose the kind of life you’re building, one small step at a time. 🗓️ Get your FREE Anchored with Purpose Planner for the last 4 months of the year! https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2

Time is one of the most valuable resources we have—but so often, it feels like it’s slipping through our fingers. In this inspiring conversation, Melissa sits down with Kali Brigham, host of the Perfectish Podcast and a seasoned time management coach, to explore how women of faith can reclaim their time, align their priorities, and live with greater peace and purpose. Kali shares her unique journey from NBC news producer—where every second literally counted—to coaching women across all seasons of life in building rhythms that matter. Together, Melissa and Kali talk about practical strategies for stewarding your time, creating intentional mornings, managing family expectations, and even leaving margin so you can breathe, dream, and grow into your God-given purpose. 💭 Download Kali’s free Friday Planning and Brain Drain sheets at https://tinyurl.com/braindraintemplate What You’ll Learn in This Episode: Why time management is really about time stewardship as women of faith How to build mornings that feel right—not just follow someone else’s schedule A powerful way to bring intentional faith practices into your day (without guilt or checklists) The “thermostat principle” for setting the spiritual and emotional tone in your home How to use habit stacking to grow your prayer life and faith Practical rhythms for managing family expectations so you’re not pouring energy into things that don’t matter Why doing a time audit is one of the most eye-opening ways to reclaim your time Kali’s Friday Planning Party strategy for setting up a week with intention and freeing up your weekends How surrendering your daily plan to God creates both peace and freedom 🗓️ Get your FREE Anchored with Purpose Planner for the last 4 months of the year! https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/befd76a8d2  Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom of God Psalm 22:3 – God inhabits the praise of His people 1 Thessalonians 5:17 – Pray without ceasing Proverbs 16:9 – A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps Resources & Links Mentioned in This Episode: Kali’s Website: https://www.kalibrigham.com/  The Perfectish Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/perfect-ish-time-management-for-your-beautifully-imperfect/id1713232629 Follow Kali on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kali.brigham/  James Clear’s Atomic Habits: https://a.co/d/djBuWrz  YouVersion Bible App: https://www.bible.com/users/mjwilkinson41 Kali’s Free Resource: Friday Planning Party Templates and Brain Drain sheets at https://tinyurl.com/braindraintemplate Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://a.co/d/grAekgq  Join the Anchored with Purpose Tribe on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredwithpurpose  anchoredwithpurpose.com 

Hey friend, welcome back to the Anchored with Purpose Podcast! In this episode, we’re wrapping up the Anchored in Every Area series by diving into one of the most transformative life anchors: personal development. Here’s the truth—if you’re not intentionally growing, you’re unintentionally drifting. And as women of faith, wives, moms, and dreamers, we were created for so much more than drifting. Personal growth isn’t just a nice idea; it’s stewardship of the mind, body, skills, and spirit God has entrusted to us. In this episode, I’ll share 10 practical and realistic ways to invest in your personal growth—whether you have a budget for it or not. You’ll discover simple, doable steps to keep learning, stay motivated, and grow closer to who God is calling you to be. We’ll cover strategies like: Daily reading and listening habits to feed your mind with wisdom instead of endless scrolling. Conferences, workshops, and online courses that inspire and sharpen your skills. Masterminds, mentors, and accountability partners to give you encouragement and challenge. Skill stacking, serving, and scheduling growth time to stretch yourself and multiply your impact. Reflection and application—because growth isn’t about information, but transformation. You’ll also hear encouragement from Scripture, including Luke 2:52, Romans 12:2, Proverbs 15:22, and Philippians 1:6—reminders that God calls us to keep growing and promises to complete the good work He began in us. If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like your big dreams are slipping away, this episode will give you the tools and motivation to move forward. 🎧 Tune in and choose just ONE strategy to commit to over the next 30 days. Let’s stop drifting and start growing—on purpose. Keywords: Christian personal development, Catholic moms growth, faith and personal growth, spiritual growth habits, personal development strategies, accountability partners, skill stacking, Christian women goals, faith-based time management, Catholic podcast for moms. Free Life Evaluation Tool: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/ec1b0df5ec : Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://a.co/d/g8aVljY  Join the Anchored with Purpose Tribe: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredwithpurpose  Follow Melissa on Instagram: @anchoredwithpurpose 📅 Book your Anchored Insights Discussion session here Or just shoot me an email — I’d truly love to connect! melissa@anchoredwithpurpose.com #ChristianMoms #FaithAndPersonalGrowth #PersonalDevelopment #CatholicMomLife #AnchoredWithPurpose

Are you feeling the weight of debt, rising prices, and financial stress? You’re not alone. In this episode of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast, host Melissa Wilkinson shares her family’s personal journey of paying off cars and law school loans early, building a strong retirement foundation, and creating peace in their home through budgeting and financial stewardship. This episode is part of our Anchored in Every Area series, focusing today on money and finance. We’ll connect real-world money challenges to biblical principles and offer practical tools to help you find financial freedom without guilt or shame. Melissa also shares: 📈 Why the average household debt in America is now over $104,000 (excluding mortgages). 💳 How credit card debt has skyrocketed to $1.1 trillion and why paying it off early matters. 🏦 How she and her husband used the debt snowball method to pay off vehicles and law school loans faster than they imagined possible. 👨‍👩‍👧 How budgeting and regular financial conversations with your spouse can transform your family’s money goals. 📖 What the Bible says about money — “the borrower is slave to the lender” (Proverbs 22:7) — and how to apply that truth with hope, not shame. 🙌 The power of tithing, giving first fruits to the Lord, and experiencing His blessing when we trust Him with our finances. 💡 The best financial advice Melissa’s dad ever gave her: start investing 15% into your 401(k) early. Whether you’re drowning in debt, just getting started with budgeting, or ready to dream bigger about giving generously, this episode will inspire you to live within your means, make a plan, and experience the peace that comes with financial freedom.   🔑 Key Takeaways from This Episode Inflation is real — groceries, gas, housing, and utilities cost more than ever, but there’s still hope for financial stability. The average U.S. household debt is over $104,000 (excluding mortgages), with credit cards averaging more than $6,000 in balances. The debt snowball method works: focus on the smallest debt first, then roll payments into the next one. Budgeting doesn’t have to be restrictive — it’s telling your money where to go instead of wondering where it went. Retirement planning is critical: Melissa shares how starting young with 15% into her 401(k) set her up for financial security. Honest conversations about money with your spouse (and even friends) help remove the taboo and build accountability. God calls us to steward His money wisely, tithe faithfully, and trust Him with our needs.   📚 Resources & Mentions The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey: https://a.co/d/4vn2XXP  Proverbs 22:7 — “The borrower is slave to the lender.” Malachi 3:10 — God promises blessing when we bring our tithe. Luke 16:11 — “If you have not been trustworthy in handling worldly wealth, who will trust you with true riches?”   ✨ Who This Episode is For Women and families feeling the pressure of rising costs and wanting peace with money. Christians looking to align their finances with biblical stewardship. Anyone ready to break free from debt, build savings, and give generously. Listeners who want tactical steps for budgeting, paying off debt, and investing in the future. 💬 Let’s Reflect Together What do you want your financial situation to look like in 5, 10, or 20 years? If you could give generously to any cause or organization, who would you bless and why? Which financial step (budgeting, debt payoff, tithing, retirement saving) do you need to take next? 👉 Friend, this episode isn’t about guilt — it’s about hope. You don’t have to be a slave to debt forever. When you live within your means, stick to a budget, and trust God with your finances, you’ll find peace, freedom, and purpose. Let’s stay anchored in Him — even with our money. Free Life Evaluation Tool: https://anchored-with-purpose.kit.com/ec1b0df5ec : Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://a.co/d/g8aVljY  Join the Anchored with Purpose Tribe: https://www.faceboo

Your health is more than a number on the scale — it’s stewardship of the body and mind God has entrusted to you. In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa dives deep into the Life Anchor of Health, exploring both physical and mental wellness through a faith-centered lens. From finding workouts you actually look forward to, to leading your children by example, to fueling your body with nutrient-rich foods (without living in the kitchen), Melissa shares her personal wins, struggles, and the mindset shifts that make lasting health possible. You’ll hear about her journey from intimidation to strength at her local gym, the surprising family wins with dietitian Cassie Groeschel, and the importance of protecting your mental health through rest, boundaries, and connection. Whether you’re ready to start a 10-minute walk, drink more water, or finally find joy in movement again, you’ll come away with practical tips and biblical encouragement to anchor your health in purpose — so you can live out your calling with energy, peace, and joy. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why health is stewardship, not just appearance (1 Corinthians 6:19-20) How leading by example impacts your kids’ lifelong habits (CDC data) Ways to find the type of movement you love The power of community in sticking with fitness goals Cassie Groeschel’s simple, family-friendly approach to nutrition Practical ways to protect your mental and emotional well-being How small steps lead to life-changing health habits Scripture Mentioned: 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Proverbs 4:23 Resources & Links: Connect with Dietitian Cassie Groeschel: https://wellnessthatfits.com/  Listen to Cassie’s previous episode: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/18-overcoming-exhaustion-finding-balance-a-wellness/id1775076672?i=1000691054931  Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/18-overcoming-exhaustion-finding-balance-a-wellness/id1775076672?i=1000691054931 

Relationships are at the core of our lives—but they’re not always easy. In this episode of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast, Melissa dives into the different types of relationships we navigate every day—marriage, parenthood, friendships, extended family, and even workplace connections. You’ll discover why marriage takes intentional effort, practical ways to connect with your spouse (even on a budget!), how to build deep friendships as an adult, and how to set healthy boundaries with family. Melissa also shares wisdom on being a light in your workplace and ministry environments. You’ll leave this episode encouraged and equipped with journal prompts, reflection questions, and biblical truth to anchor your relationships in love, grace, and faith. Key Topics Covered: Why marriage requires both work and grace (and what Ephesians 5 teaches us) The power of simple, affordable date nights (yes, even from your couch!) How to disciple your kids daily without pressure Overcoming loneliness and building strong friendships as an adult Setting boundaries with extended family while honoring them Living out your faith in your workplace and volunteer roles Reflection questions and journal prompts to help you grow in your relationships Scripture References: Ephesians 5:33 Proverbs 22:6 Ecclesiastes 4:9–10 Exodus 20:12 Matthew 5:16 Romans 12:18 Join the Conversation: Come be part of the Anchored with Purpose Tribe on Facebook for community, encouragement, and practical faith-building tips: https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredwithpurpose

In this episode of the Anchored with Purpose Podcast, Melissa continues the “Anchored in Every Area” series by exploring one of life’s most foundational anchors—family. Family was God’s idea from the beginning, designed to be a place of belonging, faith, and character formation. Yet in today’s fast-paced culture, family time often gets crowded out by endless schedules, sports, and obligations. Melissa shares practical ways to stay anchored in love, faith, and values at home, even when life gets messy. You’ll learn: Why family is central to God’s design Eye-opening stats on the stress parents face and the decline of intentional family time How to build intentional family rhythms (like morning blessings, weekly resets, and conversations that matter) Why Melissa’s family intentionally chose not to join the travel sports lifestyle—and how that decision shaped their weekends and faith practices Journal prompts and reflection questions to help you protect your family’s peace If you’ve ever wondered how to strengthen your family anchor without chasing perfection, this conversation will encourage you to focus on what truly matters. Links and Resources: Barna Study: Faith Conversations in the Home Pew Research: Parenting and Family Time Statistics Join the Anchored with Purpose Tribe for support and encouragement - https://www.facebook.com/groups/anchoredwithpurpose  Jesus Calling for Kids: https://a.co/d/1epr0z3 Anxiety Elephants for Tween Boys: https://a.co/d/b92iFiC

Faith isn’t just one area of your life—it’s the foundation for everything else. In this episode of Anchored with Purpose, Melissa dives deep into the Faith & Spiritual Life Anchor, part of the Anchored in Every Area series. Between work, kids, laundry, and to-do lists, faith can easily get crowded out. But as Matthew 7:24–25 reminds us, when we build our lives on the rock of Christ, we can withstand any storm. Melissa shares statistics about Mass attendance, prayer, and Bible reading, and explains why consistent faith practices bring lasting joy, purpose, and resilience. You’ll also hear her personal journey of staying anchored in faith through life’s busy and dry seasons, and get practical tips for making faith an intentional part of your daily rhythm. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why faith is the foundation for every other area of your life The importance of weekly Mass and how few Catholics currently attend (only 17% in the U.S.) Practical ways to anchor your faith: Scripture, prayer, sacraments, worship, and community Melissa’s favorite tools and resources for staying connected to God How to rebuild your faith one small step at a time Links & Resources Mentioned: YouVersion Bible App: https://www.bible.com/  Bible in a Year with Fr. Mike Schmitz: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/the-bible-in-a-year-with-fr-mike-schmitz/id1539568321  Great Adventure Catholic Bible: https://a.co/d/dvnNWBD  Walking with God: A Journey through the Bible: https://a.co/d/ilDHslE   MassTimes.org – Find Mass & Reconciliation near you: https://masstimes.org/  Anchored with Purpose Faith Journal Join the conversation in the Anchored with Purpose Tribe Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1B7c5RBreV/  Journal Prompts: When was a time God showed up for me when I least expected it? What’s currently keeping me from spending more time with God? How do I want my spiritual life to feel in the next 3 months? Reflection Questions: Am I treating faith like a checklist or a relationship? Where am I trying to do life in my own strength? What would shift if I truly let God lead every part of my life?

Whether you're a corporate leader, a stay-at-home mom, a small business owner, or somewhere in between—this episode is for you. In today’s conversation, Melissa walks through the ups and downs of her own career journey—from managing a $28 million store with 200 employees to becoming a stay-at-home mom, launching a successful direct sales business, and stepping into full-time ministry. She reminds us that our worth doesn’t come from a paycheck, title, or promotion, but from God—and that when we align our work with His purpose, everything shifts. You’ll hear powerful scriptures, surprising stats, and get practical journal prompts to help you anchor your work life in faith. Whether you’re feeling stuck, burnt out, or fired up and ready to go, this episode will encourage you to seek faithfulness over hustle and follow God’s lead in every season. 📖 Scriptures Mentioned: Colossians 3:23-24 Proverbs 16:3 & 16:9 Ecclesiastes 3:1 Romans 8:28 📊 Stats Shared: Only 33% of Americans feel engaged in their work (Gallup). Christians who feel called to their work report higher spiritual well-being (Barna). ✍️ Journal Prompts: What does success mean to me right now? What gifts has God given me that I’m not currently using? Am I clinging to a job or business out of fear or false identity? What would I pursue if I wasn’t afraid? 💡 Action Steps: Pray about your current season and ask God to show you where He’s working. Make a list of your strengths and how you're using them. Consider a mentor or coach to walk with you through transition. 🎁 Want support? Book a free 45-minute Anchored Insights Discussion at https://calendly.com/melissa-anchoredwithpurpose/45min  or email melissa@anchoredwithpurpose.com.