Rachel S.

Today, Rachel speaks to us about getting out of the “boat” of our comfort zone, an incredible leap of faith taken after intentional prayer, and her incredible story, with a link to her podcast episode about her testimony. Thank you, Rachel!

Rachel S.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: “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.” Romans 8:28

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Trusting that God will continue to guide me and direct me since we just took a leap of faith with my husband quitting his job (without another one set yet), sold our dream home in Southern California, living in an RV with our three young children as we move to South Idaho to help build a Christian events/retreat center and eventually find a new house to call home.

Profession: I’m a bestselling and award-winning author, national speaker and accredited Christian life coach. I specifically coach faith-loving women who have a message on their heart to write a book but don’t know where to start. I’m also a podcaster (Refine and Restore Podcast) and love communicating how to refine the areas holding you back and restore your heart and mind back to what is true. I’m also a mom of “Wannabe Triplets,” and wife of twelve years to the most amazing man ever.

A one sentence bio of yourself: Just a Jesus-loving girl, using her unique gifts to bring life, inspiration and clarity to other people’s lives.

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I recently shared my entire testimony in my podcast (Episode 03), but the basic story is I was raised Mormon, became somewhat Agnostic and turned away from faith all-together, then came to a point in my life where I felt hollow and empty inside.

I felt like, “there’s got to be more to life than this.” So, I started researching all different religions and faith-backgrounds until reading the actual words of the Bible captivated me in a whole new way. Through a somewhat hard-to-believe moment of prayer, I received confirmation that having a personal relationship with Jesus is truly what I was missing and is what life is all about. I’ve never felt deeper fulfillment, passion, and freedom than now as a believer of Jesus. Again, listen to my testimony because there are SO many more captivating details in that. Listen here.

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Staying close to God’s Word and having a constant communication with God, all throughout the day.

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): I recently read Come Matter Here by Hannah Brencher, and it was honest, heartfelt, and packs powerful truth points that I absolutely needed to hear. Highly recommend it.

Top three essentials: Because I’ve always struggled with acne, my 3 essentials are: face wash, face lotion, and my matte skin powder from Bare Essentials.

How did God speak to you recently? He is always speaking to me, but the most powerful way recently was when we were trying to decide if we were going to help with a major decision. Basically, there’s this ranch that some friends of ours decided to purchase because God told them and made it very clear He wants it to become a Christian events/retreat center. They were in escrow, and at the last minute, they lost the required lending they needed.

So, they were given a 2 week extension to get the financing. We didn’t learn of this until a few days before and then we found out specifically what they needed 24 hours before it was all going to fall through. We happened to have just the right amount (while giving us a bit of wiggle room) to partner with them and fund this investment. Through intentional prayer, we KNEW God was in this and wanted us to trust Him and make this possible. So, now we are minor partners in a Christian events/retreat center, moving to Idaho, will be living on the ranch in an RV for the first month or so until we figure it out!

“Through intentional prayer, we KNEW God was in this and wanted us to trust Him and make this possible.”

Hobby: I’m a natural reader and love it! I read a wide variety of books.

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong: Pray, always. Read the Bible (like, actually read it for yourself). Serve and love on one person every day.

“Read the Bible (like, actually read it for yourself).”

Favorite person in scripture? Peter. I feel like I can relate to him a lot. Especially this recent season of “walking on water with Jesus” with our faith journey.

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? I want them to KNOW their purpose. They HAVE a purpose. God has an amazing, abundant and exhilarating plan for us, if we are willing to venture places with Him that most people aren’t willing to go. Because in order to experience a richer understanding of God, it requires us to get out of the comfort of our “boat” and walk with Him to places we never would have imagined, but is so worth it.

“God has an amazing, abundant and exhilarating plan for us, if we are willing to venture places with Him that most people aren’t willing to go.”

Favorite season? I really love fall because I love wearing my boots, scarves, and cute jeans.

Favorite holiday? Christmas. Always.

A dream you have? To write book where others say, “You HAVE to read this book! It changed my life!”

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: We go to Carpinteria, CA beach, every Thanksgiving with my husband’s side of the family, camping in the campgrounds there. It’s beautiful, and we love it.

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? Honestly, I don’t know! I’m sure I will have them when I get there, but I’m content not knowing everything right now.

Thing you want to raise awareness about: That there is more to life than you are currently living if you’re willing to get out of the boat and trust in Him.

What do you usually do before 9 a.m.? Feed and help all three of my Wannabe Triplets get ready for school or for the day and feed them, while doing that myself. Have a moment of quiet time with my chai tea latte. Kiss my husband and tell him I love him.

What is on your nightstand? I have no nightstand right now because I moved and sold all my bed furniture! But, IF I had a nightstand, it would have my water bottle, phone, Bible, journal, and some other book I’m reading right now.

Define Christianity in a sentence: A love for God and belief that His Son, Jesus, died on the cross in our place as a sacrifice for the sins we make, so that we can become free from that burden and have eternal life in heaven. It’s also a personal relationship with Him right here, right now, as He guides and directs us in our life.

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