| 31 Days | Women with Vision: Gretchen Saffles
There are so many amazing things that I could say about my dear friend Gretchen. She and I met when we were college students attending a girls' Bible study at our dear pastor's house, hosted by our sweet friend and mentor, Carla Sibley. Each Wednesday night, about thirty young women gathered to dig into God's word and find solace within a community of friends just like them. I so cherish the memories I have there. Gretchen and I were not super close during our time at UGA, but when I moved to Mexico, she was one of my most passionate prayer supporters. Our friendship blossomed over the miles as she prayed for me and I updated her on what life was really like on the mission field.
Gretchen is one the most genuine people I know, and she has a heart of gold. She lives in Knoxville with her husband, Greg, and is the founder of Life Lived Beautifully, a wonderful business that has so many products to help you make your heart and home more beautiful. I'm so happy that you get to meet her today.
Tell us about yourself! Who are you?
I am Gretchen Saffles, a follower of Jesus, wife to my sweet hubby Greg, and a lover of coffee, travel and all things beautiful! Each morning I start with a coffee cup in hand and big dreams in my head. My heart beats wildly seeing women pursue Jesus with everything they have within them!
How do you define a woman with vision?
A woman with vision is a woman who has been captivated by what is worth her time. She has seen Jesus and the hope He gives and revolves everything in her life around making much of Him and sharing the Gospel. She is compelled to live with reckless abandon and nothing less.
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What are three things you want the women of our generation to remember?
- Numbers don’t equal your value. Whether it be a scale, pant size, number of Instagram followers or likes on a photo, numbers were never meant to tell you your worth. You are free in Christ, and in Him you are enough.
- Jesus is worth it. He is worth loving, pursuing, and leaving your dreams to follow Him to the ends of the earth.
- Live fully and well. This life is too short to stay in the safe zone. Be adventurous, try new things, travel when the opportunity presents itself. You will be changed and will know the Lord more through living life fully for His glory.
Give us your life verse - that go-to one that always keeps you going.
This has been a prayer and hope of mine for years - “Teach me your way, O LORD, that I may rely on your faithfulness; give me an undivided heart that I may fear your name.” Psalm 86:11 (NIV)
Describe your perfect day- what would you do from sunup to sundown?
My perfect day would begin early before the sun comes up when the rest of the world is asleep. In the early morning hours I can hear the Lord, drink coffee (out of one of my favorite Anthro mugs), and spend time in His presence reading His Word. Then I would go for a run and explore unchartered territory and new places. The morning would consist of a coffee date with a dear friend at a local coffee shop and then lunch with my sweet husband, Greg. After that, Greg and I would go on some sort of adventure - hiking, exploring a treehouse, or enjoying a farmer’s market (where I would inevitably buy fresh flowers). Then in the evening I would make a home cooked meal and have our closest friends over. We would play our favorite board games and sip coffee and laugh together. To end the day, I would just read a good book in bed and fall asleep thanking the Lord for the gift of another beautiful day.