Meet the Blogger: Courtney from Living Peacefully, Less Stressed

When we lived in South Carolina, we had a truly amazing church family. Really the most amazing church family I have ever had. Of course, I didn't realize and fully appreciate that until we lived here again.

However, since then, I have actually gotten to know some of the ladies from church even better thanks to the internet and visits back to South Carolina. One of those wonderful ladies is Courtney Steed. Courtney runs a beautiful blog called Living Peacefully, Less Stressed. I am certain that is something we would all like to experience. Here, Courtney shares about the things she does to keep stress out of her life, a lot of which has to do with her relationship with God. You'll also get the occasional peek at her family as well (and she has three ADORABLE little boys!).

Sit back, relax, and get to know Courtney a bit better!


When did you start blogging?
I started blogging about 4 years ago. I love writing, and when I get a creative surge I have enjoyed using my blog as a place to write and keep my thoughts! I started Living Peacefully Less Stressed when I found so many of my thoughts were centered on the same topics.


What made you want to start a blog in the first place?
Aside from simply wanting to get my thoughts down on"paper" I also wanted to encourage my sisters in Christ, if at all possible, with those thoughts!


What do you blog about primarily?
I believe that we as Christian women struggle so much with feeling like we cant possibly do all the things that we think God wants of us! We feel overwhelmed and overburdened with all that our hearts desire for our families, marriages and walks with God. Through my blog, I want to inspire and encourage women like me who feel this way, move toward being peaceful women of God who feel equipped for the purposes God has called us!

I believe God promises that he will give us "everything you need" for the life He wants us to lead (2 Peter 1:3). I blog about ways to find that "everything", how we may misuse it and anything that will help us use it better! ...which I believe will ultimately help be less harried, less stressed and more peaceful women of God :)


What is your favorite aspect of blogging?
Well, I think its two things ..first, its an outlet for me. I get to build on thoughts and ideas that I have, I get to use it to relieve some creative 'stress'. I enjoy being able to get my thoughts out and I feel like doing that keeps my mind focused.

Then, I just really hope that by sharing those things in my own journey I can connect with and inspire other sisters in Christ. I think technology like this is SUCH a blessing - and man I love it! :)


Where do you look to for inspiration?
Well, aside from the Spirit ..which I really feel like is absolutely necessary for getting anything helpful on my blog ;) ...I find 2 Peter 1:3 is my main inspiration "His divine power has given us EVERYTHING WE NEED for life and godliness through our knowledge of Him who called us by his own glory and goodness."

Truly, that inspires me to be constantly on the lookout for things that He has given me (because often I feel like must have lost it all along the way!) and for ways that I can use my 'everything you need' better ..and to encourage my sisters in Christ to do the same.


What are your goals for your blog in the coming months or year?
It sounds cliche, I know ..but really, I just want to the Spirit to guide it to a level of effectiveness for His purposes. I believe that He is encouraging me to keep on this track, to encourage women to be closer to His word (because our everything we need is dependent on our "knowledge of Him who called us"!) and to keep seeking out their "everything you need".

In the future, I would love to write a book on this topic and (dare I say it?!) speak on this topic for Ladies Retreats and other such things. I don't know for sure where God will lead ...but I am excited about some of the vision I believe He has given me!


Share your most favorite post with us.
This one is a recent one that is connected to the Women of Grace bible study that I am doing with a bunch of wonderful gals. This one is from our first week, and its message is one that I have been chewing on ever since ... http://www.peacefullylessstressed.com/2011/05/scripture-2-cor-128-10.html

Then, one that is LPLS in a nutshell ...http://www.peacefullylessstressed.com/2010/06/everything-we-need.html


Tell us a little about your family and day to day life:
I have three boys, ranging from 6 to 1 year. They are "all boy"..every one of them. We are chaos from the minute we wake up to the minute we go to bed, and usually for a bit after that! My husband and I have been married for 10 years, and are fully committed to a forever marriage and to getting this little ones raised as godly men. We homeschool our little rascals, so we are together A LOT. Luckily, we really like each other and so while it is loud most of the time we are WAY blessed and content with what God has given us!

My house is never 100% clean - not even 100% decluttered. We are lucky if we all have clean undies at the same time, but do our best :) Peaceful in our house doesn't mean quiet and orderly, it means able to let the little stuff go (when I am doing good!) and embrace the simplicity of God's blessings on a daily basis! :)


Just for fun-- What are 5 things that you must have every day?
My first cup of coffee, my second cup of coffee, home cooked meals, naptime (theirs) and the internet :)


I know that is evident why I really enjoy Courtney and her blog, Living Peacefully, Less Stressed, so much! I encourage you to stop by, and follow or subscribe. I always find inspiration to delve right into the Word after stopping by!

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