MAMI on a Mission Podcast - Mujeres Alcanzando Metas Imposibles

When Making a Decision Feels Confusing

• Mariana Monterrubio - Best Selling Author, Biblical Life Coach and Motivational Speaker • Season 7 • Episode 4

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In this episode of MAMI on a Mission, we’re tackling a topic that hits close to home: navigating those moments when making a decision feels overwhelming and confusing. Whether you’re questioning if God is calling you back to school or debating whether it’s the right time to start a business, this episode is packed with faith-filled wisdom and practical tips to help you find clarity.

Join me, Mariana, as I share personal stories, encouraging scriptures like 1 Corinthians 14:33 and Proverbs 3:5-6, and actionable steps to seek God’s guidance and overcome fear. Together, we’ll uncover how to recognize God’s peace, trust His timing, and walk confidently in the path He’s laid out for you.

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Speaker 1:

Good morning, amiga, and welcome back to another episode of Mommy on a Mission. The tagline used to be Mommy on a Mission, empowering Latina women and all women to reach their impossible goals one dream at a time. Well, we've decided to change that because we are mujeres aiming to achieve goals and live victoriously through Christ, because, at the end of the day, that is what we're trying to do. We're trying to achieve our goals, but at the same time, we want to live our lives for Christ. We want to do what is his will right, and so we decided to change that tagline. So now when you hear me, you'll hear Welcome back to another episode of Mommy on a Mission, where we aim to achieve our goals and live victoriously through Christ.

Speaker 1:

I am your host, mariana, and I am so excited that you're here with me today. So here lately I mean, I have been speaking to quite a few women recently, and one of the things that has been a common theme lately is when making a decision feels so confusing. Like you're praying to God, you're asking God for guidance. You're not sure if he's directing you in the right place. You don't know if that's the enemy trying to tempt you. So the thing is, things are so confusing, right? So today we're going to dive into something that we all face. It's those moments when making a decision feels overwhelming. Maybe you're wondering is God calling me back to school, or should I start a business, even though I'm scared? This all sounds familiar, right? Because I'm pretty sure you've gone through something similar to that or you've thought those same similar thoughts, correct? Well, amiga, we're going to unpack how to navigate these moments with faith, wisdom and maybe even a little humor. So grab your cafecito and let's get ready for some real talk.

Speaker 1:

Welcome to Mommy on a Mission podcast. I'm Mariana, your host and the number one bestselling author of Mommy on a Mission a guide towards healing, self-discovery and walking in confidence. As a dedicated life coach, wife, mom yaya and, most importantly, daughter of the king, I am passionate about empowering multifaceted women just like you. In each episode, we dive deep into transformative topics that help you reignite your passion and purpose. My unique approach is designed to help you overcome the fear of external expectations and create the space and time you need for both increased job satisfaction and personal growth. Join me on this journey of self-discovery and empowerment as we explore practical strategies, inspiring stories and actionable insights. Together, we will navigate the complexities of life and emerge stronger, more confident and truly aligned with our deepest desires. Welcome to the Mommy on a Mission podcast, your go-to resource for living a more purposeful and fulfilling life.

Speaker 1:

Grab your glass of coffee and vamos a platicar, all right? Well, first of all, let's start by acknowledging something important Confusion happens to all of us. Life is full of decisions that carry weight, decisions that can impact our families, careers and futures. So it's no wonder we feel overwhelmed sometimes. But here's the truth we can cling to God. We can cling to God is not the author of confusion, right so in 1 Corinthians 14, 33, paul reminds us for God is not a God of confusion, but of peace. If you're feeling torn or uncertain, it's a sign to pause and seek God's presence. Confusion doesn't come from him. His voice brings peace, clarity and direction.

Speaker 1:

I'll share a personal story. So there was a time when I wanted to leave a job, but I felt so confused I prayed and I prayed for a new opportunity. And when jobs started coming my way, I'd find myself rejecting them and I couldn't understand it. Like why would I pray for something, only to turn it down? Then it hit me, those opportunities, they weren't from God. And how I knew this was because I can just feel it within me Like I knew that I didn't want. So, for instance, let me let me just backtrack a little bit that I didn't want. So, for instance, let me just backtrack a little bit I had been working in the Houston area for almost eight years straight and it was a commute from where I lived to Houston.

Speaker 1:

So if you live in Houston, one side of Houston to the other can take about an hour, almost two hours. So I lived a little bit outside. So I'm south of Houston and for a majority of my career I worked there and I had to drive. Now, during that time I had just had a baby and later on I had another baby, so they're four years apart. So within that time frame I was driving.

Speaker 1:

So I had to get up at 445 every morning, get myself ready, get the babies ready, drop them off at a lady, because I always had that's what we would always call la senora. She would take care of my babies for me, uh, because I didn't want them in daycare and had to be on the road on i-45 going into the montrose area I'm sorry, not the Montrose area, the Midtown area in Houston and on a good day in the morning it would take me about less than an hour, maybe 45 minutes to an hour. But if I would get on the road at 6.05, that made a huge difference. Well, it got to be where on my way in. It'd be about 45 minutes to an hour. On my way home, although I was getting off at four o'clock, I wouldn't make it home until 5.30 or six, so that's an hour and a half to two hours.

Speaker 1:

Then have very little time to spend with my family, and I did that for almost eight years to the point where I was starting to fall asleep at the wheel. Then in one of those years I had a chance to work on the outside of Houston, which was only 15 minutes from my house, and I loved it. And after a year that contract ended and then I was told that I was going to have to go back to Houston. Oh my God, I was tired because I was literally falling asleep at the wheel because it's exhausting. I don't mind driving In fact I love road trip driving but when you're driving traffic bumper to bumper, that causes a huge stress on you to the point where my body was exhausted. I was literally exhausted, and although I love the work that I do and did that drive that was what made me not want to go into work was the drive. It wasn't even the job, because once I'd get to work I'd be fine, but it was getting from home to work and then work to home, and then having to have maybe three or four hours with my family just to go to bed and do it all over again.

Speaker 1:

And so I have been praying to God, to, you know, provide me a new opportunity, another job. And all the jobs that were coming my way were all in Houston, all of them. So naturally I was rejecting them, but I understood it once I started, because I would be like well, why are you turning down these jobs? I mean, you're, you're asking for prayer, you know, you're telling people to pray, hoping, pray for a new job, a new opportunity, and you're turning them down. Well, I knew that that was not what God. Because here's the thing those job opportunities were coming with more money. It wasn't the money that I wanted, it was less commute and more time with my family. So, finally, when the right job came along, I felt at peace like no other, like I knew this was the job, and you know what, y'all? That job was only 15 minutes from my house and it came with a $10,000 increase a $10,000 increase. So to me that was a huge win. But imagine if I would have just left the job to a job that was slightly closer not quite as close as the one that I ended up with. I would have probably felt the same way, like I would have been upset, right, and so I knew that when the opportunity finally came, I knew that it was right.

Speaker 1:

So I mean, if you're feeling torn, give yourself grace and keep seeking him and trust me, his peace will be confirmation. And trust me, his peace will be confirmation. Let's take a moment right now to just breathe. If you're carrying anxiety about a decision, picture yourself placing it in God's hands and trust that he will bring clarity in his timing clarity in his timing. The next step is to actively seek God's wisdom.

Speaker 1:

One of my favorite scriptures that I absolutely love, especially during those times of confusion, is Proverbs, chapter three, verses five and six, and it says trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, submit to him and he will make your path straight. Sometimes we try to figure it all out on our own, but God's perspective is far greater than ours. Right? We often hear, you know those scriptures that says you know, my ways are not your ways, my thoughts are not your thoughts, and it is so true. So here's what we can do to lean into him. One we need to pray for guidance, ask God to show you his will.

Speaker 1:

It's okay to be honest and say, lord, I'm feeling confused. Please make it clear to me. When I was going through what I was going through with that traffic and everything, I was like Lord Jesus, I can't do this anymore. I don't like this drive. I hate Houston traffic. I can't stand it. I don't know what else to do. I'm feeling confused. I can't stand it. I don't know what else to do. I'm feeling confused. I don't know if you're speaking to me. I mean, I would talk to him, because you know what he says. He wants us to come to him like a friend. He wants us to talk to him normally. He doesn't want us to have to use these big words or be careful with how we're talking, because you know what he already knows, what's in our mind. He already knows and he wants us to come to him freely.

Speaker 1:

So, number two, read the word. The bible is full of guidance. Another scripture that is one of my favorites is jeremiah 29, 11. That says for I know the plans I have for you, declares the lord plans to prosper and not to harm you, plans to give you hope in the future. God's plans are always for our good and I know this because, even when I didn't know like I was telling, I was like God, really, is this what you want? Do you want me to continue to work in Houston and be away from my family? And I know that he did it.

Speaker 1:

But I do know that for a season I needed to be at those jobs. I needed to work there because it was the beginning of my career. It's what taught me how to coach. It's what provided me and enhanced my skills as the gift that I had already had, the gift that God gave me. But with the experience I was able to enhance that and God knew that I didn't want to work in Houston anymore. God knew that I wanted to be closer to my family. It wasn't the job.

Speaker 1:

I love the work that I do and I love coaching people, but it takes a toll on you. It takes a toll, and so sometimes when we're praying, we need to be very, very specific with our prayer. Really ask God and ask yourself is it worth the money your health risk, you know, being away from your family? I mean, I know we need money to pay our bills and stuff, but sometimes some of the jobs, is it worth it? So we have to. We have to ask ourselves those questions and sometimes the answer comes through a nudge in your spirit, a conversation with a trusted friend, or even a sermon that speaks directly to your heart. Be open to how God communicates, because sometimes it'll come in unexpected places. And I mean, I'll admit there are times when I feel like I'm not hearing from God. Yeah, even me. I'll share.

Speaker 1:

It's no secret that I work a full time job while trying to grow my business. Is it growing as quickly as I hope? No, it's not. And sometimes I ask God is this really what I'm supposed to be doing? And sometimes I ask God is this really what I'm supposed to be doing? But in those moments, once again he reminds me of Proverbs 3, 5, and 6. And sure, things aren't moving as fast as I'd like, but I know he's working behind the scenes in ways I can't yet see. So trust him with your journey, amiga. He's got you and I'm talking to you, but I'm talking to myself as well, because I have to constantly remind myself that I have to allow for God to do what he's doing behind the scenes. There's things that I don't know that he's doing and he's trying to work things out for me, because I have to believe that God didn't put me in this position now to fail. Right now, I may be doing all things and I may be trying to get all things together, and that's only because right now I don't have the financial resources to hire somebody. But I'm learning and I'm understanding what my, what my strengths are and what my weaknesses are, and I'm learning quickly that I've got more weaknesses than I do strengths, but I am going to hone in on those strengths.

Speaker 1:

Okay, so let's talk about fear, because often fear is the root of our confusion. Just recently I was talking to an amiga and you know she was telling me that you know she wants to quit her job. She wants to really pour into her business, because you know she loved when she was pouring into her business, but of course, her life was very different back there. But yet she's afraid to do that, to leave the job. Why? Because she's a single mom and she's producing you know income through this job and she's trying to figure it all out and so it's hard for her. And the root of all of this is fear. She's afraid because what if it doesn't work out? You know what if it doesn't go the way it used to go when she wasn't working? And because at that time she was a wife and the husband was working and she was able to commit to that job, so she was able to bring in the money. But now it's different, because now her family depends on her, so she's in a different position. But at the end of the day she knows that that's not what God wanted for her At one time, and so she's afraid. She's afraid of what might happen.

Speaker 1:

Maybe you ask yourself what if I do go back to school and it doesn't work out? What if I start a business and it fails? I mean, fear can paralyze us. But here's what God says about fear In 2 Timothy 1 and 7, paul writes for God gave us a spirit, not a fear, but of power and love and of sound mind. Fear is not from God. He has equipped us with strength, love and a sound mind to face every challenge. And remember this failure is not the end of the story. It's often the stepping stone to growth.

Speaker 1:

So, even if the path doesn't go as planned, it's okay. It's okay. It's not the goal that's going to change, and this is one of the things that I always say. It's not the goal that you need to change, it's the plan of action. So, yeah, you're going to try something that doesn't work out, okay, we'll figure out a different way to do it.

Speaker 1:

And God can use every, every experience to shape us and prepare us for what's next. Trust me, every job that I've had, I've gained experience that took me to the next level. Every job, even today, the job that I currently have right now why am I in the position that I'm in right now? Because it really has nothing to do with employment coaching. It doesn't have anything to do with this. It's a completely different area that I'm very I'm in unfamiliar territory, but I have to believe that God is using that experience to help shape me and prepare me for what's coming next.

Speaker 1:

So I'll say this don't let the fear of what if? Stop you from stepping out in faith. God has not called us to live in fear, but to trust in his power and his promises. God is faithful. If you feel overwhelmed, then take a deep breath, grant yourself grace and remind yourself that God has already equipped you with everything you need, equipped you with everything you need. Everything you need God has already given to you. So then, how do we move forward when the path is still unclear? Well, as you know me you've been listening to me, for you know I like to give some practical tips. So here are some tips for you.

Speaker 1:

Number one write it down. Journaling can help you process your thoughts. Write down the pros and the cons, but also write down how each option makes you feel, and that's what I would do. So when a new job opportunity was coming, I had to write down what are the pros and what are the cons, and if the cons outweigh the pros, then I was like no, so make sure that you write it all down and don't conform, don't. If you've got more cons than pros, then why are you going to accept the cons? Okay, seek counsel. Proverbs 15, 22 y'all, I'm giving y'all some good scriptures here today. Proverbs 15 22 tells us plans fail for lack of counsel, but with many advisors they succeed. Talk to trusted mentors, friends or a pastor who can offer wisdom. Talk to someone kind of of like you know, talk it out, invite God into that conversation and then talk it out. And then, number three take small steps. Sometimes clarity comes as we take action. If you're considering going back to school, then research programs or attend an info session. If you're thinking about starting a business, test your idea on a small scale. Taking a step doesn't mean you're locked into the decision. It just means you're exploring the path.

Speaker 1:

One of the things that I tell my clients, especially those that want to go back to school, and they're like oh yeah, I think I'm going to take four classes. I'm like, and you're working full-time and you have a family. I say, I think I'm going to take four classes. I'm like, and you're working full time and you have a family. I said, well, it's going to be a challenge. It's been a while since you've been at school. So what do you think if, maybe, perhaps, instead of taking four classes, you take one? Oh man, but if I take one class, you know, know, it's going to take me that much longer. And I'm like, well, true enough, but at least with one class, the first semester gives you an idea of the kind of work time you need to have, because you have to have work, plus you've got to have study time, plus you've got, you know, your homework to do family if you've got a family. So all of that's going to take time, management and organization.

Speaker 1:

I personally, when I went back to college, I went to a college. That was a college that was going to be beneficial for me, and what I mean by that was I was able to take fast track classes. So it was one class for five weeks and when I would take that one class after five weeks I was done with that class and I was going to the next. But because I was only taking one class, it allowed me to schedule the time that I needed in order to study me to schedule the time that I needed in order to study, do the homework and yet work full time and be present with my children. And I was a single mom and it took me to explore it in that way.

Speaker 1:

So I tell people I said, because if you do take on more than you can chew, you're going to burn yourself out and then guess what, you're going to want to quit, and if you quit, then it's going to take you that much longer. But if you take one class, if you do it on a smaller scale, then it gives you an opportunity to readjust your schedule, your life, in order to fit all of the things in without having to feel overwhelmed. So I'm hoping that this is making sense to you, okay, cause, remember, clarity doesn't always come in one big moment. Sometimes it's revealed a step by step. So be patient with yourself and with God's timing.

Speaker 1:

Don't rush the process. That's one of the things that we always want to do. We want to just rush, rush, rush, rush, rush. And when we rush, we take on and on and on and on, and before you know it, we're overloaded with all kinds of things on top of us, we're wore out, we're tired, we're stressed, we're anxious, we're confused, we're desperate, depressed, all of the things. So take your time, plan it all out. Don't just leave all of the ideas on your head. Write it on a piece of paper, write it all out on sticky notes, if you have to and then create a plan of action for each and every one of those, and then you'll see that the goals that you're trying to accomplish will happen, and if you include God in that, it's going to happen that much more better.

Speaker 1:

Trust me, I can share many, many, many testimonies of how God helped me and guided me through so many things and placed people in my life to help me along the way, because I didn't know everything, and I still don't, but what I do know is that God is faithful. And so, finally, amiga, to wrap up this episode, let's remember to trust God with the outcome. Philippians 4, 6, and 7 reminds us do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God, and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Jesus Christ. So, whatever decision you're facing today, know that God is in full control, he sees that bigger picture and he will guide you every step of the way. So, amiga, surrender your fears to him and walk in faith. You know how they say. You know it's not by. I don't walk by sight, but I walk by faith. You have to. It's not by sight, it's by. How you're going to walk in faith. Ok, trust in him, lean on him, acknowledge him in everything that you do and whatever you do, do it for the glory of God. Whatever it is that you want, whatever outcome you're trying to get, seek him.

Speaker 1:

And, like I said, I'm not just talking to you. I'm having to talk to myself and remind myself constantly of that, because I am one of those people. I've always been a person that always had to take control or do things. You know and how I felt like my way was the only way, and I learned along the way that no, my way doesn't always function well. Now God has given me insight and he has taught me how to look at things analytically and he has helped me how to look at things and put things together. He's gifted me with that, but it still doesn't mean I know how to do everything.

Speaker 1:

I am a fast learner, you know, if you teach me, sometimes I can read things, sometimes I can hear things, but it doesn't click until I'm actually doing it. And that's just a learning style. You know, my learning style is by seeing, hearing and doing, like I have to mix all of those things. It's not just one, it's got to be all. I have to be very hands on While you're instructing me, I have to be doing it and everybody has their own learning style, and that's another thing that we have to take into consideration.

Speaker 1:

When we're feeling confused is that, you know, are we confused because we don't know if we could do it? Are we confused because we're afraid of a new challenge, of a new opportunity? And if that's the case, remember we don't all know everything. Someone has to teach us right, so don't overwhelm yourself. Well, amiga, I want to just say thank you for spending this time with me this morning on the Mommy on a Mission podcast, and I hope that this episode has given you some encouragement and has given you tools to tackle those tough decisions with confidence and faith. And remember God is for you and he is with you every step of the way. So if you would like to grow your faith and learn to lean on God, then I'd like to encourage you to join the Amiga Read your Bible. No, it's Amiga, ready to Read your Bible study group. You can find us on our Facebook group called Mommy on a Mission, cafecito y Amigas. If you don't have social media, then send me an email. I'll have it in the show notes and we'll get you connected so that you can start the Bible study group with us.

Speaker 1:

We are actually doing the Bible recap, which is by Terri Lee Cobble. It's such a great Bible study. We do weekly group discussions through Zoom and it's just a bunch of us. We'll have this coming together and just sharing God's word and reading through the Bible, because that's our plan is to read through the whole Bible and to really fully learn more about who God is, and just listening to the stories from the Old Testament to the New Testament, right, and just applying those things that we're learning into our lives. So we have started that. Plus we also have Cafecito y Amigas in person.

Speaker 1:

We meet one Friday out of the month and we go to a coffee shop and we just kind of spend time together and just fellowship with one another and just, you know, be connected to other amigas, you know, just have that fellowship time, you know, just to kind of chill and relax. And so next Friday, on the 31st, we are going to have our Amigas en Cafecito night. It's going to be karaoke here in Dickinson Texas. So if you are in the Houston Galveston area then I encourage you to come join us at Ugly Mugs Cafe in Dickinson Texas. We're going to meet at seven o'clock. We're going to enjoy some karaoke time, have some cafecito, some conversations and a lot of fun. Also, tickets are on sale now for the she's Bold Women's Conference, which is happening May 2nd. So grab your ticket on Eventbrite and invite an Amiga to join.

Speaker 1:

So if you found this episode interesting or you felt like it was helping you in some sort of way, well, share it with your Amiga and let them hear it for themselves as well, especially if you have someone who's going through a season of confusion themselves. So all of this information will be in the show. Note, remember subscribe, share the podcast. We love to hear from you, so also give me a review, and I'd like to hear what you have to say. If there's anything else you'd like to hear about, please share those ideas with me, because I will be happy to have conversations about whatever topic it is that you have for me. So until next time, grab your cafecito and let's get ready for some real talk.

Speaker 1:

Have a blessed day and keep aiming to achieve your goals and live victoriously through Christ. And before we go, let me just pray us out. Father God, we just want to thank you, lord Jesus, for this evening. We want I mean for this day, we want to just thank you, father God, for these mujeres that you have placed in our lives. Father God, we pray for the amiga that's listening today, father God, that, whatever confusion she may be feeling, father God, that you would just come into her and give her clarity, give her the space that she needs, father God, the peace of mind, father God, and then just knowing, father God, which direction to take that next step, father God, we lift her up to you. Her family, father God, her job, her resources, her finances, father God, we pray that you would just continue to bless those and we ask you, father God, to just provide for her, be with her, guide her, protect her, love her and send resources to her. We ask this in the name of Jesus, amen. Ask this in the name of Jesus, amen.

Speaker 1:

Thank you for tuning in to the Mommy on a Mission podcast. If you found today's episode inspiring, don't forget to subscribe, leave a review and share it with your amigas. And, before you go, if you're looking to dive deeper into healing, self-discovery and walking in confidence, be sure to grab a copy of my book Mommy on a Mission a guide towards healing, self-discovery and walking in confidence, available now on Amazon. Stay connected with me on social media. Follow us on Instagram at Mommy on a Mission Podcast, and on Facebook at Mommy on a Mission. If you're considering working with a coach but aren't sure if you're ready, send me a DM and I will send you a free gift to help you get started on your journey. Until next Saturday, keep shining and remember the tower is within you. Adios amigas.

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Mariana Monterrubio

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Mariana Monterrubio - Best Selling Author, Biblical Life Coach and Motivational Speaker