Stephanie L.

Today, Stephanie speaks to us about how she inspires mamas to take care of their bodies, educating our children and a book that has been transformative. Thank you for the wisdom and vulnerability, Stephanie!

Tell us a bit about how you grew up and your childhood: I had a really good, typical Midwest childhood. My sister and I played outside with the neighbor kids until the street lights came on. We had family reunions. Lots of cousins and extended family around all the time. I grew up going to church for most of my upbringing. My parents and both set of grandparents showed me what true unconditional love looks like, through hard times you grow closer together and lean on each other, and through good times you come together and celebrate each other.

Inspiring biblical passage of the moment: Romans 5:1-5 God has been really working on me, especially in the last 6+ months. Showing me that through Him anything is possible and to fully put my trust in Him. That being His child is not an easy quick life but one that takes training and endurance and suffering, and through that faith we are stronger in Him. 

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. Not only that, but we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance,  and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us.”

Spiritual growth focus at the moment: Putting on the full armor of God. I am in a season of Holy Hustle, and I want to make sure that I am glorifying the Lord in all that I do, and to do this and fully lean in, I need to make sure I am ready for battle and clothed with His word all day, every day. 

“I am in a season of Holy Hustle, and I want to make sure that I am glorifying the Lord in all that I do, and to do this and fully lean in, I need to make sure I am ready for battle and clothed with His word all day, every day.”

Profession/Mission: I am a wife, mama to five, homeschool, and business owner. 

My core mission is my family. My business mission is to help women start and fall in love with a health and fitness journey. Teaching them to care for their body which is a temple for the Holy Spirit. To tend to their minds which helps them stay focused on the word of the Lord and to be strong in their faith. 

“My business mission is to help women start and fall in love with a health and fitness journey. Teaching them to care for their body which is a temple for the Holy Spirit.”

If you wrote a memoir, what would the title be? The Stories of Steph

When did you first encounter God and how did you encounter Him? I can’t remember when the first time was, I feel like He has just always been there. The most impactful times I have- it’s like being in the same room and hearing someone but not really hearing Him audibly, if that makes any sense! 

How would you describe Jesus? He is a good good father. 

How has your relationship with Him changed you? Through my weakness He is my strength. My relationship with the Lord has grown so much over the years and I truly think that He has shown me what unconditional love is, and even better, He has shown me how to love others too.

What has been the darkest time in your life, and how did you see God in it? There have been a few, but each time God has pulled me back to him like the hood Shepard He is. 

First, with my first and second miscarriages. I was terrified that I wouldn’t be able to get pregnant. I loved my (step) children unconditionally but so badly wanted to give them siblings. During those trials, I learned what it meant to relinquish control and trust the Lord through it all. 

Second, I had really bad postpartum depression with my second bio baby. It actually started while I was pregnant with her, it was a very rough pregnancy, and life was extremely difficult during that time. I was drowning but wanted to have a brave face for my family so I suffered in silence. I then got a random email for a sale at Barnes and Noble for a Bible I had looked at before. It was on sale for $20 instead of I want to say $40/50. I begged my husband to drive me there so I could buy that Bible. Again, the Lord pulled me back in and that’s when I started a very intentional personal relationship with Him. 

Third, recently, I was in difficult place. I thought that I was not allowed to be happy. That my mission was my family but i knew I was made for more, and that because I felt a different calling that I was not living out God’s plan for my life because it would mean I would have to divide my attention between family and business, even tho this business would allow for more freedom and flexibility with my family. The Lord called me out and away from all the noise and really asked me “how long are you going to do this on your own?” and really has been speaking so much life into this false beliefs. He is my Shepherd, I have what I need. 💓

“During those trials, I learned what it meant to relinquish control and trust the Lord through it all.”

What has helped you grow spiritually in this season? Consistent, dedicated Bible time, every single day, and I also run a daily Bible study where me and a handful of women get on zoom every morning to study God’s word together. It has been so amazing to see what God is doing for everyone! 

Just read/currently reading (and what has it taught you?): Currently reading Winning the War in Your Mind by Craig Groeschel; it is teaching me so much about the Bible and how we can better serve the Lord. 

Top three essentials:

A good workout.

A good iced caramel latte.

Fresh flowers.

Best Streaming Around!

How did God speak to you recently? That the journey I am on now was given to me so that I could see what I am truly capable of when I do everything to honor and serve His kingdom. 

Honestly: Reading. 

Connecting with mamas! Here is the link to my mama group I am revamping!

Shopping- mostly window shopping; I’m an extrovert and love being around people.

Sewing- when I’m really in the mood I go at it for days at a time. 

Top three practical tips for staying spiritually strong:

Read your Bible.

Be apart of a community of women who LOVE and WANT to glorify the Lord and lift each other up.

Never stop growing.

Favorite person in scripture? The virtuous woman. She is someone who inspires me, and truly is a guide for how I want to live my life to honor God through serving my family and stewarding my time and others well. 

What do you want people to learn about God when they look at you? That God is good. God is loving. God is the light. God wants to be in relationship with them. 

How do you engage with your community? Mostly Instagram, and on Facebook I run a women’s health and fitness accountability group on FB and a group for mamas.

Favorite holiday? Easter, and specifically the Passover meal.

A goal you have? Help 10 women fall in love with Fitness and health and build a sustainable business from home. 

If you are one of these women email me at s.lapinskifitness@gmail.com

A special tradition you and your family engage in or keep: Friday fun night! Every Friday, we like to have a fun day/night. Usually [we] go on an adventure, have a yummy dinner, then cuddle up in our bed and watch a movie together as a family! 

Question you will ask when you get to heaven? My kids and I talk about this all the time! Sometimes, they are bigger questions and sometimes silly ones. One of the best ones I thought was will we all be children again when we go to heaven? 

Thing you want to raise awareness about: That moms are fully capable of raising and educating their own children. We were perfectly created for our children, and our children were perfectly created for us and entrusted to us to love, care for, and train up in the way they should go. God doesn’t make mistakes! He didn’t give our children to other people to raise and educate. I want all moms out there to know that society lies and tries to tells us we are not capable of educating our children, but I am here to bust down that wall. We are and God is with us through it all. 

What does your morning routine consist of? Water. Coffee. Bible time. Gratitude. Prayer. Breakfast. Workout.

What is on your nightstand? Bible. Lamp. Multiple colored pens. Motherhood devotional. 

Define Christianity in a sentence: Christianity is like a river. The banks are meant to keep us on the narrow path, we can get stuck on shore but if we continue to push towards Him, grow in grace and accept His unconditional love we have the freedom to honor and serve the Lord.  

For more Stephanie:

IG: @purposefully_home

Facebook: Stephanie Lapinski 

Until next time, keep witnessing!

XX