There is an angst in each of us for something–a form of happiness where our soul breathes deep and we find our heart satisfied.  Are you feeling the ache for fulfillment and rest? Does your heart yearn for a life filled with peace and  joy?

Your hunger for something new, something life-altering is evidence of God at work in your life.

You wouldn’t experience such a longing, if God wasn’t first longing after you.  God’s design for you is a life of purpose and contentment.

“The thief comes to steal, kill and destroy but I (Jesus) come to give life and to give it more abundantly.”–John 10:10

If Jesus came so we could experience a life of abundance and contentment, why does contentment feel so distant and allusive?

Because of God’s promises, you can experience a content-filled life by making intentional choices giving God room to move and transform your life into something meaningful and brimming with His gracious presence. Just for the readers of this guide I’ve created a 7 Days to Finding Contentment Devotional– click here to check to get your copy!

[su_heading size=”24″]Table of Contents[/su_heading]

MAKING INTENTIONAL CHOICES LEADING TO A LIFESTYLE OF FULFILLMENT

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[su_tab title=”How To Create Margin”]

[su_button url=”#chapter1″ background=”#bec3c1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 1: How To Prioritize Effectively[/su_button]

[su_button url=”#chapter2″ background=”#de8160″ color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 2: How To Intentionally Decline[/su_button]

[su_button url=”#chapter3″ background=”#84c58f” color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 3: How To Simplify Expertly[/su_button]

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[su_tab title=”How To Experience True Rest”]

[su_button url=”#chapter4″ background=”#84c58f” color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 4: How To Slow by Letting Go of Your Hurry[/su_button]

[su_button url=”#chapter5″ background=”#ebc5a0″ color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 5: How To Escape and Find Solitude[/su_button]

[su_button url=”#chapter6″ background=”#bec3c1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 6: How To Understand and Embrace Sabbath[/su_button]

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[su_tab title=”How To Enjoy Fulfillment”]

[su_button url=”#chapter7″ background=”#bec3c1″ color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 7: How To Release The Hold of Perfectionism[/su_button]

[su_button url=”#chapter8″ background=”#de8160″ color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 8: How To Trust God While You Wait[/su_button]

[su_button url=”#chapter9″ background=”#84c58f” color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 9: How To Resist The Temptation To Compare[/su_button]

[su_button url=”#chapter10″ background=”#ebc5a0″ color=”#ffffff” size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Chapter 10: How To Choose Gratitude[/su_button]

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[/su_tabs]

[su_service title=”Section 1: How To Create Margin” icon=”icon: heart” icon_color=”#bc377c”]Even as you read this post, you are experiencing margin. Margin is the space on either side of the print with nothing–nothing but white. Space where you might add an occasional note or pause to absorb what you read. Margin isn’t necessary only in publishing, margin is necessary for contentment in our lives. We need empty space, room for God to move, and time to process what we’re experiencing and learning. People living without margin are overwhelmed, maxed out and usually in need of therapy![/su_service]

[su_button url=”http://richlyrooted.com/2014/01/create-margin-in-your-life-for-a-simpler-schedule.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Ways To Create Margin In Your Life For A Simpler Schedule[/su_button]

[su_service title=”Chapter 1: How To Prioritize Effectively” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]We live in an over-scheduled, overcommitted culture where creating margin doesn’t happen without great intentionality. Prioritizing effectively requires clearly identifying what you want and how you plan to get it. The following articles will help you develop a plan, set purposeful goals and live your priorities. [/su_service] [su_button url=”http://www.michaelnichols.org/choose-your-own-priorities/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]The Unbelievable Power of Choosing Your Own Priorities[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.livingwellspendingless.com/2015/01/05/effective-goal-setter” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]How To Be An Effective Goal Setter[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.pennypinchinmom.com/five-great-apps-for-setting-and-monitoring-goals” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]5 Great Apps for Setting and Monitoring Goals[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://girlfriendsingod.com/i-just-dont-have-the-time/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Making Time For What Really Matters[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.lifestewardshipblog.com/2010/03/adding-margin-to-your-life.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Adding Margin To Your Life[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://pastors.com/how-to-create-margin-in-your-life-to-do-the-things-you-love/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]How To Create Margin In Your Life To Do The Things You Love[/su_button] [su_service title=”Chapter 2: How To Intentionally Decline” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]It seems confusing to suggest that with every “yes” is a corresponding “no”. By saying “yes” to God’s plan for contentment, we have to decline any distraction that threatens to impede that plan. Identifying our priorities and goals gives needed guidance to where we say “yes” and to what we say “no.” However, “no” doesn’t always come out of our mouths with ease. There are so many good things we could say “yes” to. But in order to experience God’s best, we have to learn to say “no.” The following articles will guide you through practical ways to choose and implement your “no.”[/su_service] [su_button url=”http://livelikeyouarerich.com/when-and-how-to-say-no/#jmhYEt3vGLV3OVr4.32″ background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]When and How To Say “No”[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.overstuffedlife.com/2014/05/how-to-say-no-graciously.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]How To Say “No” Graciously[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://inspiredtoaction.com/2012/03/why-im-glad-were-quitters/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Why I’m Glad We’re Quitters[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.triciagoyer.com/balance-yes-no/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Finding Balance Between Yes & No[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://northpoint.org/messages/breathing-room/choosing-to-cheat/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Choosing To Cheat[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.incourage.me/2015/09/space-for-your-soul-to-breathe.html?year=2015&monthnum=09″ background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Space For Your Soul To Breathe[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.incourage.me/2013/07/leaving-room-for-the-unexpected.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Leaving Room For The Unexpected[/su_button]   [su_service title=”Chapter 3: How To Simplify Expertly” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]The world seeks to amass more–more pleasure, more money and more prestige. As believers, the Spirit inside us seeks to discover lives abounding with meaning and purpose. Yet, we are constantly distracted by the lure of the eye, the desire for something nicer, something entertaining, something promising to satisfy our want for significance, pleasure and happiness. Simplicity is an expression of frugality, meaning we hold back from spending or using resources to add to one’s status, glamour or sense of luxury. Experiencing a satisfied life is not about having more but learning to want less. [/su_service] [su_button url=”http://moneysavingmom.com/2015/04/simplified-home-became-content.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]How I Simplified Our Home and Became More Content[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://thenestednomad.com/2015/09/07/simplify-your-life/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Simplify Your Life and A Guide To Living Simply and Holistically[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2014/june-week-4/from-hoarding-to-i-have-enough.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]From Hoarding to “I Have Enough”[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://jenhatmaker.com/blog/2011/12/26/an-experimental-mutiny-against-excess” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]An Experimental Mutiny Against Excess[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.w2wministries.org/search?q=+organize” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Creating Balance In Our Lives[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.triciagoyer.com/simplify-choices-save-time” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Simple Living: Simplify Your Choices To Save Time[/su_button] [su_service title=”Section 2: How To Experience True Rest” icon=”icon: heart” icon_color=”#bc377c”]In Matthew 11:28, Jesus promises rest to those who would come to Him with their heavy burden. Spiritual rest, first, requires a surrender of our control and the rhythm of our life to God. Peace and rest come as we slow down long enough to notice His movements in our life. We discover relief from our constant straining as we experience intimacy that comes from allowing our soul to breathe in the restoration offered in a secure relationship with God.[/su_service] [su_button url=”http://kaysepratt.com/embracing-rest” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Embracing Rest[/su_button] [su_service title=”Chapter 4: How To Slow By Letting Go of Hurry” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]Be still and Know that I am God.–Psalm 46:10 How can I be still when there’s so much going on? Hurry and stress comes from a desire for more. More things, more activities, more approval, more…. God is whispering “Enough. You have enough because I am enough.” Slow down, quiet your spirit and breathe in Jesus. [/su_service] [su_button url=”http://empoweredbypierce.com/leading-with-god-part-2-rest/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Leading With God: Rest[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://theeverygirl.com/embracing-rest-in-a-culture-of-busy” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Embracing Rest in a Culture of Busy[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://girlfriendsingod.com/gods-best-requires-rest-part-two” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]God’s Best Requires Rest[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.goingbeyond.com/blog/and-i-will-give-you-rest/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]And I Will Give You Rest[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.christianitytoday.com/women/2015/february/god-didnt-design-us-for-busy.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]God Didn’t Design Us For Busy[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://holleygerth.com/take-time/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]God Won’t Hurry Our Hearts[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://holleygerth.com/slow-down-before-shut-down/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Let’s Slow Down Before We Shut Down[/su_button] [su_service title=”Chapter 5: How To Escape and Find Solitude” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]”Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.”-Mark 1:35 Getting away with your God alone communicates the priority of your relationship. Have you considered how you communicate your affection to God? Just as intimacy in marriage is strengthened by time away, intimacy with God is strengthened in a similar way. Getting away to set aside responsibilities and distractions allows opportunity to see God from a different perspective. Allowing you to know and understand the character of God quiets the restless heart and guides you toward a contented spirit. The following articles give insight on experiencing solitude with God. [/su_service] [su_button url=”http://www.womenoffaith.com/2014/12/still/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Being Still[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.faithbarista.com/2014/09/soul-rest-sunday-only-when-i-am-alone-with-you/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Whenever I’m Alone With You[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://girlfriendsingod.com/the-power-of-quiet/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]The Power of Quiet[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2015/july/desperate-for-break.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Desperate for a Break?[/su_button] [su_service title=”Chapter 6: How To Understand and Embrace Real Sabbath” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]Six days it took God to create the earth and it inhabitants from nothing and on the seventh day, He rested. God met with Moses and along with nine other commandments insisted on a day for rest. Instead of a luxury or a polite suggestion, God gave the command for Sabbath because God understands how crucial rest is our to our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health. The following articles help to explain God’s plan for Sabbath and guide you into a place of rest.[/su_service] [su_button url=”http://womenlivingwell.org/2015/03/the-secret-to-finding-rest/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]The Secret to Finding Rest[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://empoweredbypierce.com/unhealthy-pace-embrace-sabbath/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Unhealthy Pace? Embrace Sabbath[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.jennicatron.com/3-sins-of-refusing-to-rest/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]3 Sins of Refusing Rest[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.marydemuth.com/you-need-to-rest/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]You Need Rest[/su_button] [su_service title=”Section 3: How To Enjoy Fulfillment” icon=”icon: heart” icon_color=”#bc377c”]“I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need.” –Philippians 4:11-12 Though contentment may seem allusive, Paul asserts that a life of fulfillment is possible. Fulfillment through Christ is based not on circumstances but on the One who can can satisfy our needs and fill our empty spaces.[/su_service] [su_button url=”http://livingbyfaithblog.com/2012/08/31/how-to-be-content” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]How To Be Content[/su_button] [su_service title=”Chapter 7: How To Release the Hold of Perfectionism” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]The driving force behind perfectionism is control. We want to obey God on our terms so that we can look put together. We don’t want the mess. Mess causes things to look like their aren’t all together…that we don’t have the “package”. We’ve bought into the lie that if we have the “package” others will love us and God will accept us.[/su_service]   [su_button url=”http://holleygerth.com/pursue-excellence-skip-perfection/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Why You Can Pursue Excellence and Skip Perfection[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://holleygerth.com/lower-your-expectations/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Lower Your Expectations[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.todayschristianwoman.com/articles/2014/august-week-1/right-sizing-desires.html” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Right-Sizing Desires[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://sallyclarkson.com/choosing-to-live-by-grace-not-perfection/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Choosing To Live By Grace Not Perfection[/su_button]   [su_service title=”Chapter 8: How To Trust God While You Wait” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]In society of instant messaging and microwavable meals, waiting isn’t easy. It isn’t so much the wait in line at the store or at the bus stop for a ride, it is the wait for God’s timing. It is the wait for a spouse, a baby, a job promotion or the next season of life. Waiting is hard. Yet, as followers of God, we are called to wait…to follow not to run ahead. Experience deep spiritual fulfillment requires trust God and His timing. [/su_service] [su_button url=”http://www.lizcurtishiggs.com/trust-issues/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Trust Issues[/su_button][su_button url=”http://holleygerth.com/trusting-his-dream-for-you/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Trusting His Dream For You[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://tsuzanneeller.com/2012/03/12/finding-contentment-in-the-wait/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Finding Contentment in the Wait[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.godsgirlgettingreal.com/yet/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Are We There Yet?[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://lysaterkeurst.com/2015/08/when-i-dont-get-what-i-want/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]When I Don’t Get What I Want[/su_button] [su_service title=”Chapter 9: How To Resist The Temptation To Compare” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]Her hair is always so cute! Why won’t my hair do that? The cupcakes she brought to the Christmas party had elves popping out singing The 12 Days of Christmas! But it’s okay, I picked up some Oreos on the way and they were good too :/ She’s always so nice and friendly and it’s all I can do to not scream at my children on the way to school. Comparing ourselves with someone else does nothing but stir up feelings of self-doubt, resentment and discouragement. God has called you to something greater–something more. Learning to not only resist the temptation to compare but learn to embrace who you were created to be is pivotal to experiencing contentment. [/su_service] [su_button url=”http://womenlivingwell.org/2015/07/finding-contentment-with-girl-in-the-mirror/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Finding Contentment With The Girl in the Mirror[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://tsuzanneeller.com/2014/08/25/comparison-helps-no-one/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Comparison Helps No One[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://womenlivingwell.org/2014/10/more-love-less-comparing-genesis-29-31/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]More Love Less Comparing[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.jennicatron.com/its-never-greener/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]It’s Never Greener[/su_button] [su_service title=”Chapter 10: How To Choose Gratitude” icon=”icon: asterisk” icon_color=”#9a94f2″ size=”26″]Could it be your level of contentment is dependent most on your ability to give thanks? When you are ready to throw in the towel because of your job, your marriage or the weight of your responsibilities, you are certainly not filled with joy or contentment. Taking the time to create a lifestyle of thanksgiving, changes your perspective and reminds you of the one You need most. Acknowledging God’s provision and grace in your life also acknowledges His presence. His presences is what produces peace, joy and contentment.[/su_service] [su_button url=”https://www.reviveourhearts.com/articles/growing-in-gratitude-a-30-day-challenge/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]A 30-Day Gratitude Challenge[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.joycemeyer.org/articles/ea.aspx?article=thankfulness_the_key_to_having_the_life_you_really_want” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Thankfulness: The Key To Having The Life You Really Want[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://girlfriendsingod.com/gratitude-and-grace-two-peas-in-a-pod/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]Gratitude and Grace (Two Peas in a Pod)[/su_button] [su_button url=”http://www.aholyexperience.com/2014/11/how-giving-thanks-can-give-you-a-new-life-with-video/” background=”#ffffff” color=”#d16969″ size=”5″ wide=”yes”]How Giving Thanks Can Unexpectedly Give You A New Life[/su_button]
[su_service title=”Don’t Forget to get your copy of 7 Days to Finding Contentment by clicking the image below!” icon=”icon: bookmark” icon_color=”#f7e624″ size=”26″][/su_service]