By Mama Jane, Wisdom Wellness Coaching
Have you ever found yourself standing at a crossroads—wanting to do God’s will, but feeling paralyzed by the fear of getting it wrong? That’s exactly where my guest, Amanda Villagomez, once stood. Amanda, a wife, mother of six daughters, and an associate professor of education, joined me and
Mama Vicki on the
Cycles and Sanctity podcast to talk about her beautiful new book,
Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith.Her story moved me deeply—not only because I saw my own journey reflected in hers, but because her wisdom offers a lifeline to every woman who feels stuck, uncertain, or weary of trying to “get it right.”
When God Calls You to “Do the Next Thing”
Amanda shared that she first sensed God calling her to use her background in education to draw people toward Him. Like many of us, she assumed this meant a complete career pivot—a bold leap into ministry work. But over time, God revealed a gentler, more integrated plan: He wanted her to let both her professional and spiritual callings grow side by side.
That resonated deeply with me. How often do we imagine that God’s plan must be one big change—a new career, a grand mission, or a dramatic shift—when in reality, He is inviting us to be faithful right where we are?
Amanda’s story reminds us that sanctity often blooms in the slow, ordinary growth of our daily lives. Her book invites readers to trust that even the wandering, waiting seasons are part of God’s divine design.
The Journey from Worry to Trust
One of my favorite parts of our conversation was when Amanda described what she calls the worry-to-trust continuum. For years, she lived under the pressure of perfectionism—trying to anticipate what others expected, striving to “get it right,” and fearing mistakes.
Can you relate?
I know I can.
As a recovering perfectionist myself, I’ve spent years learning to release the need to control outcomes and instead embrace the peace that comes from surrender.
Amanda beautifully captures this transition in her book.
She writes that when we act with sincere hearts—seeking God’s will even if we aren’t 100% sure of the path—He can always reroute us, like a GPS recalculating the way.
That image of God’s GPS struck me.
Because let’s be honest—most of us aren’t short on desire to please God; we’re just afraid of disappointing Him. But what if we trusted that even our detours can become holy ground when we surrender to His direction?
Simple, Profound, and Practical
I absolutely loved Amanda’s writing style.
Do the Next Thing is not an overwhelming read—it’s just over 150 pages, filled with bite-sized insights and journaling prompts that invite deep reflection without the pressure to finish quickly.
Each chapter weaves together personal stories, education theory, and spiritual application.
As a fellow educator and lifelong learner (and yes, a woman with far too many books stacked on my nightstand!), I was delighted to see how Amanda bridges the world of education and faith formation.
Her “questions to ponder” at the end of each chapter are powerful.
They gently guide readers toward self-awareness, prayer, and discernment.
Whether you’re discerning a life change, struggling to let go of comparison, or simply trying to take the next step in faith, this book meets you where you are.
The Comparison Trap—and the Freedom Beyond It
In one of my favorite chapters, Amanda talks about comparison—a topic I often coach women on.
She tells the story of watching another woman make a bold spiritual decision and wondering if she should follow.
But after prayer and wise counsel, she realized that God wasn’t calling her to do the same.
That moment of clarity brought such peace.
As women, we often look sideways, comparing our seasons, callings, and progress to others.
But holiness is never one-size-fits-all. Amanda’s story reminded me that what God asks of one soul may not be what He asks of another.
Freedom comes not from matching someone else’s journey but from being faithful to your own.
Lessons from a Season of Prayer and Growth
Amanda wrote
Do the Next Thing during a particularly vibrant season of prayer—a time when she was deeply rooted in her parish as a DRE and youth minister while raising her young family.
Seven years later, when she revisited the manuscript, she realized how much she had grown and healed.
She decided to leave the book mostly unchanged—a snapshot of where she was then—so that readers could see the developmental journey of faith unfold.
I found that decision profoundly humble. It reminded me that growth doesn’t erase our past seasons; it honors them.
Even now, Amanda continues to live her message. Through her ministry,
Endure In Hope, she offers online courses like
Foundations of Becoming and
Your Story with God to help women grow in faith and self-understanding.
She also plans to launch a new podcast, Becoming with Him, this coming year.
Invitation to Any Woman Feeling Lost
At one point in our conversation, Amanda said she wrote this book for “any woman who desires to know and do God’s will but isn’t sure how.”
Maybe that’s you.
Maybe you’re an empty nester, a retiree, or a woman whose busy motherhood years are behind you.
You love God—but lately, you feel restless, uncertain, or unseen.
You sense that God is inviting you into something new, but you don’t know what it is or how to start.
I meet so many women like you in my
1:1 coaching sessions. Women who have spent decades caring for others, but now feel unsure of who they are or where they’re going.
Women who want to reclaim clarity, purpose, and intimacy with God—but who need a companion to walk with them.
That’s why I love Amanda’s message.
Do the Next Thing isn’t just a book—it’s a lived witness of what happens when we take one faithful step at a time, trusting that God will reveal the rest.
Doing the Next Right Thing—With God
Toward the end of our conversation, Amanda said something that stayed with me:
"Even if your journey feels slow or wandering, there’s purpose in every step. God is weaving beauty through your story, even when it doesn’t unfold the way you expected.”
That, my friends, is the heart of faith.
It’s not about perfect plans—it’s about trusting the Planner.
So whether you’re discerning your next move, longing for clarity, or simply trying to hear God’s voice in the quiet of your heart, remember this: holiness begins with doing the next right thing—with Him, in trust, one step at a time.
Learn More
You can find Amanda Villagomez’s book
Do the Next Thing: Stepping Forward in Faith on Amazon or at
endureandhope.com.
And if you’re ready to discover what your “next thing” might be—especially if you’re an older Catholic woman seeking renewal, purpose, or deeper intimacy with God—I’d love to walk with you.
My 1:1 Catholic coaching offers a prayerful space to rediscover who you are, heal old patterns, and listen for God’s voice again. Together, we’ll find your next faithful step.