What if God is calling you to let go of some good things so you can make room for what matters most?
In this episode of Discovering HOME, I’m joined by Mary K. Tiller, a writer, speaker, and freelance editor who shares how she learned to balance her creative calling with the demands of motherhood. From navigating the transition to becoming a stay-at-home mom to recognizing when she needed to say no to good opportunities, Mary K. offers an honest look at what it means to follow Jesus faithfully in every season.
Together, we explore how Christian moms can pursue meaningful work without sacrificing peace at home, why God sometimes calls us to prune fruitful things, and how leaving margin in our lives creates room for what matters most.
If you’re a mom who dreams of being home with your children but wonders whether you can still pursue the creative work God has placed on your heart, this conversation is for you.
In This Episode, We Discuss
- Discerning God’s call in motherhood: Learning to recognize His leading and trust Him when He invites you into a different season.
- Pursuing creative work as a stay-at-home mom: How Mary K. discovered a way to continue writing while prioritizing her family.
- When God asks you to let go: Why even good, fruitful opportunities may need to be released to make room for what matters most.
- Setting boundaries without guilt: Learning to live within your limits and create a healthier rhythm for your family and work.
- Communicating with your husband: The importance of sharing your needs and navigating family responsibilities together.
- Making room for margin: Why leaving space in your schedule allows you to respond to the unexpected and be present with the people you love.
- Trusting God through different seasons: Remembering that what works in one season of motherhood may not be what God asks of you in another.
Key Takeaways
1. God may ask you to prune fruitful things.
Not every good opportunity is meant for every season. Sometimes, following God’s leading means releasing work you enjoy so you can be more present, peaceful, and fruitful in the areas He has prioritized.
2. You don’t have to abandon your creativity when you come home.
Mary’s story reminds us that becoming a stay-at-home mom doesn’t necessarily mean giving up the gifts and passions God has placed within us. It may mean expressing them differently or pursuing them in a smaller capacity for a time.
3. Your capacity will change throughout motherhood.
What wasn’t possible when Mary’s children were little became possible as they grew older and entered school. Give yourself grace to honor the season you’re in rather than expecting yourself to do everything at once.
4. Leave room for the unexpected.
A full schedule leaves little space for spontaneous connection, family needs, rest, and the opportunities God may bring your way. Margin is a gift to you, your family, and your work.
5. Listen to Jesus and do what He says.
You don’t need to have every detail figured out before taking the next step. Ask God what He is inviting you to release, trust Him to guide you, and be faithful with what He places before you.
A Question to Reflect On
Where might God be inviting you to create more margin in your life?
Are there good things you’re holding onto that are keeping you from being present with your family or pursuing what matters most in this season? Take some time to pray, listen, and ask the Lord what He wants you to make room for.
Meet Mary Kathryn Tiller
Mary Kathryn lives in East Texas with her husband of 16 years, their two children, and thirty head of cattle. She is a speaker, adjunct professor, and the founder of Tiller Editing, where she helps authors bring their message to life through thoughtful developmental and copy editing. She also co-hosts Writing Off Social, a podcast helping female Christian writers grow and nurture their audiences without social media.
Connect with Mary Kathryn
- Writing Off Social: writingoffsocial.com — Resources for Christian writers who want to grow their audiences without social media.
- Tiller Editing: tillerediting.com — Freelance editing for Christian nonfiction writers.
Thank you for listening to Discovering HOME. May you continue to seek the Lord, trust His leading, and make room for what matters most in this season of your life.
About Me, Your Host
Hi, I’m Karla!
I’m a wife, mom, author, speaker, certified coach, and the host of Discovering HOME.
I began my career in the Los Angeles Mayor’s Office and went on to hold roles within the City’s Community and Economic Development Departments, managing programs designed to expand educational and economic opportunities for families and small businesses.
After nearly 20 years in City government, I stepped away from my career in 2017 to focus on raising my daughters and creating a different kind of life—one centered more intentionally around faith, family, and home.
That experience changed the way I think about success, calling, and purpose. It taught me that following God often means being willing to reconsider the way we’ve been taught to define a successful life.
Today, through my podcast, speaking, and coaching, I help women think more deeply about the lives they’re building, discern God’s leading, and take courageous steps toward living in greater alignment with who He created them to be.
Discovering HOME grew out of that journey—and out of my belief that our faith should shape not only what we believe, but how we live.
I’m so glad you’re here. Pull up a chair, and let’s discover HOME together.
About Discovering HOME
Discovering Home is the podcast for Christian working moms who want to become stay at home moms and are asking whether God is calling them home.
We talk about navigating faith, motherhood, calling, and the courage to trust God with what comes next.
You love your family, you’re good at your job, and the pull toward home keeps coming back anyway. You pray about it, and the practical questions show up right behind the prayer. Can we afford one income? Who am I if I’m not the one with the title and the paycheck? You’re not alone, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own.
Hosted by Karla B. Monterrosa, author and faith-led certified coach, this podcast for Christian moms brings biblical encouragement and practical wisdom to the decision in front of you. Karla spent nearly 20 years in municipal government before stepping away in 2017 to follow God’s call home, and she now homeschools her daughters. She created this space for women who love the Lord, love their families, and are ready to trust Him with a new way of life.
We’ll answer questions like:
- How do I become a stay at home mom?
- Should I be a stay at home mom?
- Can I afford to be a stay at home mom?
- Is God calling me to be a stay at home mom?
- How do I know if God is calling me to stay home?
- Will I regret quitting my job to be a stay at home mom?
- Who am I if I’m not working?
- How do I find purpose at home?
- How do I find peace when I’m living in survival mode?
Each week you’ll hear Karla on her own, working through the questions moms ask when they’re discerning a move home, and in heartfelt conversations with moms and experts who have lived this transition, along with covering budgeting for one income and growing in purpose-driven Christian motherhood.
If this is the question on your heart and in your prayers, hit follow and join Karla every Wednesday.
Ready to Discern Your Next Step?
Are you a working mom wondering whether God is calling you to become a stay-at-home mom? You don’t have to navigate the questions, fears, and practical considerations alone.
Through personalized one-on-one coaching, I help moms prayerfully discern their next steps and move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and purpose.
Explore Coaching and Schedule a Free Clarity Call
Connect with Me!
Instagram: @discoveringhomepodcast
Website: www.karlabmonterrosa.com
Speaking and Interview Inquiries:
Email podcast@karlabmonterrosa.com
Read to Start Your Journey Home?
Wondering whether God is calling you into a new season of motherhood?
Take the free quiz, Is God Calling You Home?, to begin discerning your next steps.
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