61 | Life Balance Breakthrough: Can Small Shifts Truly Create Big Impact?

Small changes can create massive transformation in your faith journey. Isn't it remarkable how tiny shifts in our daily routines can completely realign our spiritual connection? This profound truth lies at the heart of Jesus's invitation in Matthew 11:28 where He beckons, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest."

The journey to meaningful spiritual practices doesn't require monumental overhauls. Even as someone who served two congregations while attending seminary, I discovered that consistent devotional time wasn't about perfection—it was about grace-filled progress through intentional micro-shifts. Whether it's incorporating a morning prayer ritual enhanced with the clarity-promoting properties of lemon essential oil, or creating evening wind-down routines with calming scents like lavender and cedarwood, these small adjustments synchronize our lives with God's natural rhythms.

Living intentionally means making conscious choices aligned with our faith values, setting daily intentions that guide our decisions and interactions. Try this week's affirmation: "I trust in God's perfect design for my life and find peace in His sustaining presence." Write it down, save it on your phone, and watch how this simple practice ripples through your thoughts and actions. Remember that establishing healthy boundaries isn't selfish—it's essential for sustainable ministry and authentic presence. By implementing these small, consistent shifts and connecting with our supportive community of like-minded women, you'll discover a transformed relationship with God built on peace rather than perfection. 

Visit BiblicalBoundariesForWomen.com to join our community of women committed to living purposefully in Christ.

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Chapters

• 0:00 Small Changes, Big Impact Introduction
• 1:38 Balancing Faith With Busy Life
• 2:57 A Profound Sense of Clarity
• 4:13 Divine Invitation to Rest
• 6:07 Aligning With Natural Rhythms
• 8:22 Building Daily Practices
• 9:32 Setting Intentions For Purposeful Living
• 11:30 Practical Steps Toward Life Balance
• 12:48 Tying It All Together
• 15:24 Episode Wrap-Up and Key Takeaways

Transcript

Paula Behrens: 0:01

Have you ever wondered how tiny tweaks can transform your life in a big way? Or are you curious about little habits that pack a powerful punch? Listen in now to discover how small changes can lead to a major impact in your world, as we center ourselves on Jesus' invitation, "Come to Me and I Will Give you Rest."

Paula Behrens: 0:22

Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too. Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I long for a deeper connection with God, but struggle with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you.

Paula Behrens: 0:47

Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to NJ Dancer Chick. She writes, "It's so easy to get distracted and lose focus on reading Bible passages when there's so much going on in life. This podcast helps you to just listen and focus on the message. It's like an audio book for devotionals. Great for busy moms on the go." Thank you, what a great review NJ Dancer Chick. Thank you so much for that. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on leave a review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes. What a joy it is for me to hear from our listeners.

Paula Behrens: 1:38

When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized. But, truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson, we're all just doing our best in this journey of faith, a beautiful work in progress. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens: 2:18

Hey sister, do you want to come and hang out with a group of faith-filled women who are on a mission to maintain consistent spiritual practices so that they too can be a guiding light for Jesus? In our group, you'll get tips that will transform your devotional routines into fun and joy-filled moments, plus early bird access to special offers, and the best part is that you can ask your questions inside the community. Come join BiblicalBoundariesForWomen. com (no spaces). All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens: 2:58

A while back, I decided to start making small, intentional shifts in my prayer routine. But instead of feeling overwhelmed by trying to overhaul my entire spiritual practice, I focused on tweaking one small thing at a time. One morning, after weeks of these gradual changes, something remarkable happened. As I sat in silence, praying and reflecting, I felt a profound sense of clarity wash over me. It was as if God was speaking directly to my heart. The message was clear. I was to help other Christian women design their own unique devotional routines tailored to their individual schedules and lifestyles. This revelation was eye-opening, as I realized that, just as I had found success in making small shifts in my own spiritual routine, I could now empower other women to do the same. Since that transformative moment, I've been dedicated to sharing this message with as many women as possible. If you've been struggling to find a devotional practice that feels just right for you, I'd love to help. So let's take that first step together and see where it leads. To learn more, visit my website, PaulaBehrens. com. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S dot com.

Paula Behrens: 4:13

Today, we will be delving into the profound concept of how small shifts can make a big impact, which is so beautifully encapsulated in Matthew 11. 28, where Jesus beckons, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest." Now this verse is calling us into a spiritual rest through faith in Christ, we know that. But when we go a little deeper, we see that it's also calling us to a holistic type of rest, urging us to care for ourselves, physically and emotionally too. It's about aligning with the natural rhythms our Creator has set within us, ensuring our well-being in every facet of life. So grab your favorite essential oil, perhaps a blend called Peace and Calming, or the woodsy aroma of Frankincense, and let its soothing properties be your companion as we embark on this journey of transformation through small, intentional shifts.

Paula Behrens: 5:15

Okay, so Jesus extends this beautiful invitation to rest, not just any rest, but his rest. It's a rest that surpasses worldly understanding, embracing both the spiritual and the tangible aspects of life. While we often rush through our days, fueled by responsibilities and endless to-do lists, it's vital to pause and remind ourselves that rest is equally important. This divine rest invites us to lay our burdens at his feet, finding solace and rejuvenation in his presence. Now, when you breathe in the natural essence of an essential oil like Peace and Calming, visualize that same peace filling your entire being, allowing you to unwind and reset. God designed our bodies in such a wondrous way, with built-in rhythms and cycles meant to guide us. From our circadian rhythms to seasonal changes, these natural rhythms are part of his perfect design.

Paula Behrens: 6:21

Yet in today's fast-paced world, we often find ourselves out of sync, leading to stress and fatigue. Making small adjustments to reconnect with these rhythms can bring about big changes. Consider how you start and end your day. Morning routines that involve prayer, reflection and perhaps a drop of Young Living's Lemon Essential Oil in your water can be invigorating. This small shift sets a tone of clarity and intention. In the evening, transitioning with oils like Cedarwood or Lavender can signal your body that it's time to relax and prepare for rest. Regular exercise, a balanced diet and restful sleep are foundational, but it's not just about the physical. Our emotional well-being is equally important. Implementing short moments of mindfulness through prayer or meditation with oils like Stress Away can be transformative. This shift in perspective can permeate every area of our lives Each day, take time to reflect on the blessings around you and, as you do so, use affirmations to reinforce a positive mindset.

Paula Behrens: 7:30

This week, let our affirmation be, "I trust in God's perfect design for my life and find peace in his sustaining presence." Repeat it after me right now, I trust in God's perfect design for my life and find peace in his sustaining presence. Write this affirmation down, add it to your phone notes and read it out loud often. Let it ripple through your week, nurturing your spirit and aligning your thoughts with divine intent. Okay, so here it is again, just in case you couldn't find a pencil the first time. I trust in God's perfect design for my life and find peace in his sustaining presence.

Paula Behrens: 8:22

Consider the small changes you can make. Perhaps it's adding a positive affirmation to your daily routine, choosing to pause and pray before starting an overwhelming task or using a focus enhancing essential oil like Peppermint during study or work sessions. Implement tiny habits like walking in nature, journaling your thoughts or simply taking deep breaths. These seemingly small actions can have a broad impact on your peace and productivity. Try it. I think you'll be amazed. Moving on.

Paula Behrens: 8:58

Absolutely crucial to living purposefully in Christ is establishing a network or community that can support and uplift you. Engage with others in your church, social groups or online communities to draw encouragement from each other. The sense of belonging and a shared purpose can help make those small shifts permanent shifts. Our Facebook community of like-minded women can also be an excellent resource for learning and sharing how others incorporate these practices into their daily lives. Go to BiblicalBoundariesForWomen. com to join. One more thing let's focus on intention.

Paula Behrens: 9:36

Living intentionally means making conscious choices that align with our values and faith. It means being present in each moment, listening to our hearts and tuning into what God is communicating to us, beyond the noise and distractions. Setting an intention each day or week is a powerful practice that can influence your thoughts and what you do. This process involves taking a moment of reflection. Think of your intention as a guiding light, helping you navigate through the choices and challenges that each day brings. Start by identifying what is truly important to you, whether it's cultivating patience, radiating joy or spreading kindness. Once you've determined your intention, allow it to shape your interactions and decisions. This acts as a personal roadmap that aligns your daily activities with your deeper beliefs and aspirations. For example, if your intention is to express thankfulness more frequently. It could lead you to appreciate the small wins, acknowledge the efforts of others or even keep a gratitude journal.

Paula Behrens: 10:44

By integrating this intention into your day-to-day life, you create tangible expressions of faith and purpose. Additionally, revisiting your intentions often can be incredibly empowering. At the end of the day or the week, reflect on how your intention influenced your actions and your thoughts. This reflection can provide insights into your personal growth in areas where you'd like to channel more energy. Overall, setting an intention is not about achieving perfection, but about being mindful and deliberate in how you wish to live your life. It's a commitment to honoring your values and striving to embody them in everything you do.

Paula Behrens: 11:24

Small changes can make a big impact on our overall life balance. Here are a few more things to consider. One, taking time for yourself isn't selfish. It's essential. Whether it's a five-minute morning meditation or a short walk during lunch, these small acts nurture your well-being and recharge your spirit. Two, clearly defining when work ends and personal time begins can prevent burnout and ensure you're present in each moment. Simple boundaries, like turning off work notifications after hours can significantly enhance your personal time quality. Three, identify your core values and align daily activities to reflect what truly matters to you. This might mean saying no to commitments that don't serve you or delegating tasks that others can handle. And remember that life is unpredictable and maintaining balance often requires adaptability. The journey to achieving life balance is personal and ongoing, but with mindful choices, you can create a life that resonates with joy and purpose. Remember, even the smallest step toward balance can lead to a profound transformation in your life. Okay, so let's tie it all together.

Paula Behrens: 12:50

Today, we focused on the peace and balance we can achieve by making intentional, minor adjustments in our lives. Anchored in the wisdom of Matthew 11. 28, where Jesus offers rest to the weary, we discussed how this divine invitation is not only spiritual but also encompasses a holistic approach to well-being. We delved into the importance of aligning with our natural rhythms, emphasizing the need to synchronize our routines with our body's internal cycles. By integrating small practices, like using a drop of Lemon essential oil in our morning water or setting the tone to rest with calming aromas in the evening, we can create a nurturing environment that supports both physical and emotional health. Caring for our bodies through balanced nutrition, regular exercise and sufficient sleep is crucial, but so is tending to our emotional and spiritual needs. Incorporating moments of mindfulness, prayer or meditation, supported by aromas that promote calm, helps in maintaining emotional stability.

Paula Behrens: 13:54

Gratitude and positive affirmations were highlighted as powerful tools in shifting mindsets towards a more purposeful and fulfilled life. This week's affirmation, "I trust in God's perfect design for my life and find peace in his sustaining presence," serves as a reminder to remain anchored in faith and cultivate a spirit of thankfulness. We embraced the idea that prioritizing self-care isn't an act of selfishness and that it's crucial to clearly define where work concludes and personal time begins, as well as ensuring that our daily activities align with what truly matters to us. Moreover, we discussed how setting an intention each day or week can be a powerful practice that shapes our mindset and guides our actions.

Paula Behrens: 14:45

Life balance is the harmonious alignment between the various aspects of our day, such as work, family, personal time and self-care. But achieving a balanced life doesn't mean everything gets equal time, but rather that we feel content and fulfilled with how we allocate our energy to different areas. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become overwhelmed as we try to juggle multiple responsibilities. However, as noted earlier, life balance is not about striving for perfection. It's about making conscious choices that pave the way for greater satisfaction and well-being.

Paula Behrens: 15:24

As we wrap up today's episode, let's remember that the journey to impactful living doesn't require grand gestures. Often it's the sum of small, consistent actions that lead to meaningful change. By embracing rest in Christ, aligning with our natural rhythms and making intentional choices in our daily lives, we position ourselves to receive His abundant peace. Thank you for tuning in today and remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review. Also, don't forget to become a part of our community on Facebook at BiblicalBoundariesForWomen. com (no spaces). Be sure to check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.