Summary

Do you feel like your most productive years are behind you? Maybe the kids have moved out, your roles have shifted, and you are wondering, Is it too late to start something new? The world tells us that at age 50 we should be winding down, but in God's kingdom, this is actually your prime time for impact. In this inspiring episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Sandy Falter and Tiffany Fletcher to answer the question: How to set life goals at 50 (or 40, or 60!).

We redefine midlife not as a crisis, but as a "refinement." Tiffany shares her brave story of going back to graduate school at age 49 to become a mental health counselor, proving that God's timing is never late. Sandy opens up about the "Empty Nest Identity Shift"—moving from being needed as a mom to being needed as a daughter of God with a new mission. We discuss the "GPS Detour" principle, explaining why God often hides the full map of our future to keep us from running away in fear. If you are ready to dust off the talents you shelved for motherhood and embrace your role as a mentor to the next generation, this episode is your invitation to dance, write, and lead again.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Empty Nest Reassessment: Midlife isn't an ending; it's a shift. Hormonal and role changes are God's natural signal to reassess your purpose. You have wisdom, maturity, and time now that you didn't have before—use it.
2. God's "Both/And" Promise: When Tiffany worried about missing out on being a grandma, God told her, "You can do both." You don't have to choose between family and a new calling; God can expand your capacity for both.
3. The GPS Detour: God often takes us on detours (like Sandy becoming a grief coach after a personal tragedy) that we didn't plan. Trust that the "GPS" knows the safest and most impactful route to your destination, even if you can't see the full map.
4. Dust Off Your Talents: Many women shelf specific talents (writing, art, leadership) during the intense years of mothering. Now is the time to take them off the shelf. If it was your talent then, it is still your talent now—it just needs some dusting.

Free Resource

Ready to discover your new divine assignment? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet, specifically designed to help you hear God's voice in this new season of life. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. What is one talent or passion you "shelved" while raising your family? Is God asking you to dust it off now?
2. Do you view this season as "winding down" (retirement) or "refinement" (new mission)? How does changing that word change your outlook?
3. Have you experienced an "identity crisis" as your roles have shifted? How can anchoring yourself as "God's Daughter" first stabilize you?

Summary

Do you feel like your life is a constant battle against a messy house, a loud schedule, and a list of goals you’ve already failed twice this month? We are often told the key to success is just "trying harder." But for Christian women, the secret isn't more willpower—it’s better systems. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson joins Sandy Falter and Amy Johnson to answer the question: How to organize your life and set goals without spiraling into the "shame vortex."

We explore the "Divine Order of Organization," moving from chaotic busyness to purposeful stewardship. Sandy shares how she uses Atomic Habits and habit stacking (like making her bed to trigger prayer) to set up an environment where success is inevitable. Amy reveals how she transformed her family’s spiritual life by starting with a simple dinner routine, and Tamara introduces the life-changing "Not-To-Do List" hack that creates room for your actual mission. If you are ready to shun the shame of broken routines and embrace intentional rest as a productivity strategy, this episode is your roadmap.

Episode Takeaways

1. Systems > Willpower: Success isn't about trying harder; it's about setting up your environment. Sandy shares how putting her gym bag on the front seat and stacking prayer with making her bed removes the need for willpower.
2. Shun the Shame Vortex: When you fall out of a routine, the adversary uses shame to stop your progress. We must learn to distinguish between God's loving correction (which invites change) and Satan's shame (which causes paralysis).
3. The "Not-To-Do" List: You cannot add new goals without pruning old ones. Tamara explains how to audit your life to Delegate, Automate, Eliminate, or Keep tasks—creating the space needed for God’s "great" assignments.
4. Rest is Productive: Busyness does not equal worth. Even Jesus took naps and the Creator rested on the Sabbath. Intentional rest is an act of faith, trusting God to manage the world while you sleep.

Free Resource

Are you ready to prune your schedule and stop the shame spiral? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features the exact "Not-To-Do List" template and the "Cast Out the Adversary" protocol mentioned in this episode. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Look at your bedroom or car. How could you change your environment to make your spiritual or physical goals easier (e.g., placing scriptures on the dinner table)?
2. When you miss a goal, do you feel a gentle nudge to try again (God) or a heavy wave of "I'm a failure" (Shame Vortex)? How can you shun the shame today?
3. What is one "good" thing you are currently doing that might need to go on your Not-To-Do List to make room for the "great"?

How to Faith Goals

Summary

Have you ever received a clear prompting from God—maybe to start a business, heal a relationship, or launch a ministry—and immediately felt a wave of panic? Most of us shut down when the vision is bigger than our current capacity. In this practical episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson answer the question: How to achieve faith goals when you have no idea where to start.

We move from spiritual paralysis to empowered process by sharing a toolkit of "Warrior Hacks." Amy shares the "National Geographic Zoom" analogy, explaining why God only shows us a tiny texture of the map at a time (because if we saw the whole picture, we’d run!). We discuss the 42% Rule—why writing your goal down drastically increases your success rate—and share creative, "redneck" ways to keep your goals visible, from packing tape in the shower to lock screens. Finally, we tackle the "Dam Principle"—understanding that the adversary wants to damn (stop) your progress—and give you a specific protocol to cast out darkness when all hell breaks loose. Tune in to turn your massive download into manageable steps!

Episode Takeaways

1. Capture the Download: God’s inspiration often comes as a heavy weight in our minds. whether you are a writer or a talker, you must get it out of your head and into the physical world to process it.
2. The "Zoom" Analogy: Like those zoomed-in photos in National Geographic, God usually only shows us a tiny piece of the texture. If He showed us the full picture (the "forest"), we would be overwhelmed. Our job is to focus on the zoomed-in step, not the whole map.
3. The 42% Rule: You are 42% more likely to achieve a goal simply by writing it down. Use visual anchors like sticky notes on mirrors or phone lock screens to keep the vision in front of your face.
4. The "Dam" Principle: The word "damn" means to stop progress (like a river dam). Satan is damned (stopped), so he wants to stop your progress too. When resistance hits, it’s not a sign to quit; it’s a sign to use spiritual warfare to cast out the adversary.

Free Resource

Do you need the specific prayer protocol to stop the adversary from "damming" your progress? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Cast Out the Adversary" page mentioned in this episode. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Think of a goal God has given you. If you are honest, are you trying to look at the "whole map" instead of the "zoomed-in" step?
2. How do you best process revelation? Are you a writer (journaling) or a talker (verbal processing)? Are you making space for that method?
3. Have you experienced the "Dam Principle"—where everything goes wrong just as you start to make progress? How does realizing this is an enemy tactic

Summary

In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, we tackle the high-stakes question: Why set faith goals when life is already a whirlwind of chaos? Host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson explore how a single spiritual anchor can shift your entire world from merely "good" to truly "great."

If you feel constantly bombarded by the noise of the world—like you are driving down a freeway of endless distractions—this episode is for you. Amy shares the powerful "Fence Post Analogy," explaining how keeping your eye on one fixed point (Jesus) allows you to plow a straight line in every other area of your life, including your business and family. We also revisit the story of Mary and Martha, uncovering a surprising insight: the true indicator of whether you have chosen the "better part" isn't just about what you are doing, but whether you are at peace while doing it. Whether you are a "scriptorian" like Amy's mom or a "doer" like her dad, this episode reveals how faith goals act as the ultimate filter to help you discern the vital few from the trivial many. Tune in to move from frantic to focused!

Episode Takeaways

1. The Whirlwind of Distraction: We live in a world of "dizzying distractions." Faith goals act as a spiritual filter, helping us cut through the misinformation and noise to focus on what matters most.
2. The Mary & Martha Filter: The difference between Mary (sitting) and Martha (serving) wasn't just their actions; it was their internal state. Martha was anxious; Mary was at peace. If your goals don't bring you peace, it’s time to re-center.
3. The Fence Post Analogy: To plow a straight row, a farmer must keep his eye on a fixed fence post at the end of the field. If you keep your eye on Jesus (your fence post), every other "row" in your life (health, finances, family) will naturally straighten out.
4. Good is the Enemy of Great: Drawing from the book Good to Great, we learn that settling for a "good" life often keeps us from the "great" life God has for us. Faith goals help us choose the great part.

FREE Resource

Ready to find your "Fence Post" and stop the spiritual dizziness? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet to help you filter out the noise and hear God's voice. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Do you feel more like Mary (at peace) or Martha (distracted) in your daily life right now? What does that tell you about your current goals?
2. What is the “Whirlwind” in your life (social media, news, busyness) that makes you feel most dizzy? How can a faith goal act as a filter for that specific distraction?
3. Visualize your life as a field. If Jesus is the “Fence Post” at the end, are your current rows (habits/choices) lining up with Him, or are they crooked?

Summary

Are you exhausted trying to achieve big things in your own strength? Do you feel like you are just one setback away from giving up entirely? In this empowering episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson answer the foundational question: What are faith goals?

We move beyond simple positive thinking to explore the unstoppable power of a life anchored in Jesus Christ. Amy breaks down the definition of faith found in Hebrews 11:1—describing it not as a wish, but as "confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see." We discuss the "Parent Lens," revealing why God is rooting for your progress more than your perfection, and why faith without Jesus is just "worldly hustle" that leads to burnout. If you are ready to shift from self-confidence (which fluctuates) to divine confidence (which is steady), this episode will show you the "line upon line" secret to building spiritual muscle in the gym of life. Tune in to solve the pain of feeling unqualified and start stepping into the things God is calling you to do.

Episode Takeaways

1. Faith is Confidence: Based on Hebrews 11:1, a faith goal isn't a wish; it is an action taken with confidence and assurance in God. Faith goals build your capacity to trust what you cannot yet see.
2. The Parent Lens: Just as a parent cheers when a child takes a wobbly first step, God cheers for your growth. He isn't looking for immediate perfection; He is looking for increased capacity.
3. Worldly Hustle vs. Faith: Amy warns that faith without Jesus Christ is just "worldly hustle" and is spiritually dead. True faith goals rely on His strength, not just your willpower, preventing the glory from going to self.
4. The Gym Analogy: Spiritual growth happens "line upon line." You don't start bench-pressing 200 lbs; you start where you are. Every time you obey God's small prompting, you build the spiritual muscle to handle the next "heavier" assignment.

Free Resource

Ready to stop guessing and start hearing? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet to help you ask God exactly what your next faith goal should be. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. When you set a goal, is your confidence anchored in your own ability (Self-Confidence) or in God’s promise (Divine Confidence)?
2. Do you view God as a critic waiting for you to fail, or a parent cheering for your first steps? How does the "Parent Lens" change your fear of failure?
3. Are you currently trapped in "worldly hustle"—trying to manifest results without yoking yourself to Jesus?
4. What is the "next hard thing" God is asking you to lift in the spiritual gym...

Summary

Have you ever wondered why you are supposed to set goals? Is there a real spiritual reason, or should you just float along with the current and see where God takes you? In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Sandy Falter tackle the foundational question: Why is it important to set goals in life?

We explore the concept of "Spiritual Atrophy"—the dangerous reality that doing nothing doesn't mean staying the same; it means declining. Sandy explains the life-changing concept of "The Gap and The Gain," teaching us how to measure our growth against where we started rather than where we aren't, which protects us from discouragement. We also dive deep into the Parable of the Talents, revealing why God values your effort over your outcome and how setting "toddler-sized" goals is the secret to building adult-sized spiritual confidence. If you have been feeling stuck in limbo or afraid to move forward, this episode will show you how goals are actually the training ground for your soul's ultimate purpose: preparing to meet God.

Episode Takeaways

1. Spiritual Atrophy: Just like muscles, your spirit does not stay static. If you do nothing, you atrophy. Goals are the resistance training required to keep your spirit growing and progressing.
2. The Gap vs. The Gain: Frustration comes from measuring yourself against the ideal (The Gap). Gratitude and confidence come from measuring yourself against where you started (The Gain). Look back to see God's hand in how far you've come.
3. The Parable of the Talents: God gives gifts "according to ability." He isn't judging you against the person with five talents; He is only looking at how you stewarded the one or two He gave you. Comparison kills stewardship.
4. Toddler Confidence: Just as a toddler builds confidence by taking shaky first steps, we build spiritual confidence by setting small goals and achieving them. God isn't disappointed when you stumble; He is cheering that you are trying to walk.

FREE Resource

Ready to stop floating and start growing? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" worksheet to help you identify the specific talent God wants you to develop next. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Are you currently "floating" in any area of your life? If so, have you noticed signs of "spiritual atrophy" or decline in that area?
2. When you look at your goals, do you focus on the "Gap" (how far you have to go) or the "Gain" (how far you've come)? How can you shift that perspective today?
3. Read the Parable of the Talents (Matthew 25). Have you ever buried a talent because you were afraid it wasn't as "big" as someone else's?
4. What is one "toddler-sized" goal you can set this week to...

Summary

Have you ever felt like a juggler in the game of life? Every time you get your career on track, your health drops. Or you feel super connected to your family, only to realize your spiritual life has withered. We are told we need "balance," but trying to give 100% to everything at once is a recipe for total exhaustion. In this episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Jerusha Smith answer the question: How to set goals in all areas of life?

We move from the paralysis of trying to do it all to the power of the "Next Right Step." We explore the biblical blueprint for holistic growth found in Luke 2:52—Jesus increased in wisdom (mental), stature (physical), favor with God (spiritual), and favor with man (social). Jerusha shares a game-changing perspective on "balance"—explaining why standing still on two feet is balanced but gets you nowhere, while walking requires constantly shifting your weight to move forward. Plus, we reveal the "Faith Speak" hack: speaking your goals in the past tense (like God did with Gideon) to activate your faith before the battle even begins. Tune in to find your rhythm and stop apologizing for being in motion!

Episode Takeaways

1. The Luke 2:52 Framework: Jesus grew holistically in four areas: Wisdom (Mental), Stature (Physical), Favor with God (Spiritual), and Favor with Man (Social). Use these four categories to set a balanced roadmap for your life.
2. The Walking Metaphor: True balance isn't standing still on two feet; that gets you nowhere. Progress (walking) requires shifting your weight from one foot to the other. Stop apologizing for focusing on one area at a time—that is how you move forward!
3. The Stewardship of Self-Care: Tamara shares a hard lesson learned from bronchitis: "If Tamara takes care of herself, she can help other people." Even Jesus took naps. Rest isn't a luxury; it's a divine requirement for sustainable service.
4. Faith Speak: God told Gideon, "I have delivered them into your hand," before the battle even started. Speak your goals in the past tense ("I am so grateful I finished my book") to pull your future into your present reality.

Resources

Ready to map out your own Luke 2:52 plan? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It features worksheets specifically designed to help you identify your goals for this season in all four key areas. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Need accountability? Check out our Women Warriors Accountability Group for free for two weeks! https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/join-now

Reflection Questions

1. Look at the Luke 2:52 categories (Mental, Physical, Spiritual, Social). Which one is currently "dropping" while you juggle the others?
2. Are you trying to "stand still" to achieve balance, or are you willing to "walk" by shifting your focus seasonally?

Summary

Do you ever feel like you are going through the religious motions—checking off the prayer and scripture boxes—but still feel buried by the weight of the world? If you treat your spiritual habits like chores, you might be missing the point entirely. In this deep and moving episode of the Arise, Women of God podcast, host Tamara K. Anderson and advisory board member Amy Johnson ask the fundamental question: What is the goal of spirituality?

We strip away the checklist to reveal the "why" behind the worship. Amy shares a raw, honest perspective on how spiritual connection is her survival mechanism against the mountains of depression and emotional exhaustion. We explore the "Pendulum Principle," explaining why deep sorrow is actually a prerequisite for deep joy, and how to find God in the "still, small voice" amidst a noisy life. Amy also shares a tender personal story of how a moment of silence during a sunrise drive allowed her to hear a prompting that changed the end of her father's life. If you are ready to move from religious exhaustion to a life-giving relationship with God, this episode will help you find the silence you need to hear Him.

Episode Takeaways

1. The Ultimate Goal: According to John 17:3, the goal of spirituality isn't just to be "good"; it is to know God and Jesus Christ. As we know them, we naturally want to become like them.
2. Moving Mountains of Depression: Amy shares that her "what's in it for me" is survival. Spirituality is the tool she uses to protect herself from being "buried emotionally" by the world. It provides the power to move the mountains of mental health struggles.
3. The Pendulum Principle: Your capacity for sorrow digs the well for your capacity for joy. If you are swinging deep into grief or hardship, remember that the pendulum will swing back just as far into joy.
4. The Power of Stillness: We live in a noisy world. Amy’s story of turning off the radio to watch a sunrise proves that silence is often the only way to hear the critical promptings that guide us to where we need to be (like making it home for her father’s passing).

FREE Resource

Are you ready to find the silence you need to hear God's voice? Download our FREE Guide to Goal Setting. It includes the "Sacred Brainstorm" to help you reorient yourself to the Light. 👉 Download the Guide Here: https://www.womenwarriorsoflight.com/offers/WyaLn2gS/checkout

Reflection Questions

1. Be honest: Is your current spiritual life a checklist or a lifeline? How does viewing it as "survival" against the world change your motivation?
2. Think of a time you experienced deep sorrow. Did you eventually experience a "swing" back to deep joy (The Pendulum Principle)?
3. When was the last time you drove your car in total silence? What might God be trying to say to you in the stillness?
4. Read John 17:3. Do you feel like you know God, or do you just...