For the past 2 years, our family has been TV free. That is not the norm in 2024, but there are many families who are concerned about the constant overstimulation and who are making the decision to remove the TV from their homes. Simeon and I share our why for this decision and the benefits we have seen from this choice. Spoiler alert: We have ZERO regrets! It has been one of the BEST decisions we have made for our family! We chat about... Why we decided to make this decision (it might surprise y...
Sep 30, 2024•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 298
As we wrap up another quarter of 2024, I share the books that I've been reading. The Bucket List Family by Jessica Gee Simulated by Nova McBee The Silver Chair by C. S. Lewis Love Without Borders by Angela Braniff Little Women by Louisa May Alcott Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham Mere Motherhood by Cindy Rollins Twelve Extraordinary Women by John MacArthur Resources: NHC Blog: 2024 Reading Challenge (Quarter 3 ) Follow my journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Ins...
Sep 26, 2024•24 min•Ep. 297
There are many different approaches to introducing solids to your baby. As a mama who has done this 5 times, I share the approach that has worked well for us. This is based upon experience and research. What is baby led weaning? It is when you offer your baby food from your family meals cut up into finger sized foods allowing them to self-feed. We discuss: -How to know your baby is ready for solids -How to introduce high-allergen foods -The difference between choking and gagging -Benefits of the...
Sep 19, 2024•24 min•Ep. 296
Our children are going to face lies. Some lies come from within their own minds, and others come from outside influences. We know from God's Word that Satan is the father of lies. How can we as Christian parents equip our children to take a stand for truth in a culture that says there is no truth? Join Simeon and Brettnay as they talk about the importance of... Understanding the culture Recoginzing it's message Seeking the Truth Equipping the next generation to combat the lies Scriptures Referen...
Sep 16, 2024•41 min•Ep. 295
How do I find joy in motherhood? How do I grow in patience as a mother? How can I be more gentle in my responses to my children? We all ask those questions as mothers. There is no doubt that motherhood is a sanctifying work. The fruit of the spirit (joy, patience, gentleness) aren't things we can "work up" on our own. Growth can only be accomplished through the Holy Spirit's work in us! Developing the fruit of the spirit in our lives is a byproduct of abiding in Christ. We need to be abiding mot...
Sep 12, 2024•19 min•Ep. 294
Have you ever tried to keep all the plates beautifully spinning only to find broken pieces shattered at your feet? I think most mamas have been there. We juggle alot, and on top of that, we often put expectatons on ourselves that do not align with what God expects of us. This causes us to leave in defeat, guilt, and comparison. We look around and see "supermoms". But what is supermom? And is that a goal we should strive for? Join me as I share how God has worked in my heart as I've pondered thes...
Sep 05, 2024•29 min•Ep. 293
Abraham and Sarah are the father and mother of God's chosen people, Israel. They set an amazing example of faith as they leave all they know in the city of Ur, and set out to follow God into the unknown. But they also make some big mistakes, some of which cause a lack of unity in major aspects of their marriage. Join us as we look into the famous laugh of Sarah. As we study the context and the Hebrew meaning of the word used for Sarah's laugh, you will find a truth that will help our marriages. ...
Sep 02, 2024•30 min•Ep. 292
For many, a new school year has begun. I have heard from mamas who are launching out into homeschooling their little ones, and they have so many concerns and fears. We all want to put our child on a path of success, but what does that really look like? Do we need to get it all right from day 1? Do we need to have rigourous curriculum and push to be above average in every area? Or can we take a deep breath and give us and our children freedom to fall in love with a lifestyle of learning? I share ...
Aug 29, 2024•36 min•Ep. 290
Rachel Woodward is a homeschooling mama to four boys. She has been homeschooling for 17 years, and has graduated two of her sons. Rachel has a wealth of wisdom to share to younger moms who are pursuing this path for their children's education. This episode is done Q & A style. Hear Rachel answer these questions and more! -Where to start -How to choose curriculum -What should homeschooling look like in the early years -How to keep your kids excited about learning -How to foster independence i...
Aug 22, 2024•41 min•Ep. 288
We desperately need a revival of the family alter! God designed the family to be the place where children are introduced to Christ and are instructed in righteousness. Unfortunately, in our busy world today, family worship of often neglected. Simeon joins me to discuss the importance God places on parents spending time teaching their children God's Word. We address: -Why it is important to have a designated time of daily family worship -The difference between reading and studying the Bible toget...
Aug 19, 2024•40 min•Ep. 289
Suzy Crocket joins me to share her family's stories of adoption. This path gave her family two beautiful children, but it also taught them many spiritual things. She shares insight into the truth that God the Father has adopted us. He makes us "heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ". This truth gives us identity and security. She also shares some thoughts on the adoption process, and how Christians can get involved in this area of need. Scriptures Referenced: Romans 8:16-18 Follow my journey...
Aug 15, 2024•39 min•Ep. 291
Simeon and I recently celebrated our tenth anniversay. It's had me reflecting on my wedding day. So much preparation went into me preparing myself to be Simeon Brazzell's wife. I delighted in each detail as I prepared to present myself to him. Christ promises that one day, He- the Heavenly Bridegroom, will return for His bride. Will He find you ready? Scriptures Referenced: Matthew 24:42, 44; 25:1-13 Luke 12:36-37 I Thessalonians 4:13-18 Titus 2:13 Revelation 3:11; 22:12, 20 Follow my journey by...
Aug 08, 2024•27 min•Ep. 282
David and Michal's marriage is one that lacked spiritual unity. Scripture gives us different glimpses into their relationship, and it reveals that they did not share the same faith and trust in Jehovah. This would ultimately lead their marriage to a very sad and lonely place. Join Simeon and I as we glean truth for our own marriage's from this couple. Scriptures Referenced: I Samuel 19:10-17 II Samuel 6:16-23 I Corinthains 3:11 Resources: Undesirable Couples of the Bible Study Follow my journey ...
Aug 05, 2024•44 min•Ep. 286
A fun update on our homeschool year! I share what we're up to, what we're loving, and what we're learning. Resources: NHC Podcast: Homeschooling with Toddlers and Babies Gather Round Homeschool NHC YouTube: The Good and The Beautiful Math Geography from A to Z: A Picture Dictionary by Jack Knowlton Fix It! Grammar from IEW Amy Carmichael by Janet & Geoff Benge NHC YouTube: Gather Round Homeschool Follow my journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram , YouTube ...
Aug 01, 2024•34 min•Ep. 284
A question I get often is, "How do you know what to read?" In a world where there are millions of books, how does one sift through it all? There are so many books and so little time! In Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson, they give a list of qualities to look for in a good book. I share this list and talk you though it. I hope this will help us all find the best literature choices. Resources Referenced: Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay and Sally Clarkson Follow m...
Jul 25, 2024•29 min•Ep. 287
Simeon and I just celebrated our 10th anniversary! We have had the sweetest time reflecting on the past decade and all that God has done in our lives together. On this episode, Sim joins me to share some memories of our early days, as well as things we've learned about marriage. We share... -Things We've Done Well -Things We Want To Do Better In -Thoughts on Marriage Growth -Best Marriage Advice We've Received Resources Referenced: NHC Podcast: What Does It Mean to Cherish Your Spouse? NHC Podca...
Jul 22, 2024•44 min•Ep. 283
Kara Rodgers joins me to share her family's story with trusting their children to God. Jordan and Kara have five children, and their oldest has non-verbal autism. In recent days, God has opened amazing doors for their son that has allowed him to communicate and share what God is doing in his mind and life. You WILL be encouraged as you listen to their story! Maybe this will speak to your heart as you navigate challenges of having a child with special needs. Maybe that is not something you face, ...
Jul 18, 2024•54 min•Ep. 281
Join me for a deep dive into research surrounding the debate between whether manuscript or cursive should be a child's first handwriting instruction. We discuss... -Is handwriting instruction important? -Progressive education's introduction of the print "ball and stick" method -Development of early motor skills -Contrasting the differences between cursive and manuscript Resources Referenced: The Good and The Beautiful Handwriting Pencil Gripper Montessori Sand Tray for handwriting Follow my jour...
Jul 11, 2024•37 min•Ep. 280
Scripture only records two sentences that Job's wife says. They are words of condemnation towards her husband and bitterness towards God. What a legacy to leave behind! While we can feel deep empathy for Job and his wife at all they lost, they handle their trial in very different ways. We can glean wisdom from their example that will strengthen our marriages as we walk through grief and loss. Scriptures Referenced: Job 1; 2:1-10; 42:10-13 Proverbs 14:1 Resources: Undesirable Couples of the Bible...
Jul 08, 2024•37 min•Ep. 279
"Is there an ideal 'house' for homeschooling? Yes! It's yours- the one you have right now. The key to a great homeschooling house is to use the house you have to its fullest." -Julie Bogart, The Brave Learner For the homeschool mom, there can be pressure to cultivate a "perfect homeschool environment." What does that look like? Is it recreating what we see on social media? What happens when we don't have the resources, rooms, funds, etc to make it happen? Do we have to settle for a "less than" e...
Jul 04, 2024•29 min•Ep. 263
Hear what books I've been reading this quarter! 1. Son of Hamas by Mosab Hassan Yousef 2. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C. S. Lewis 3. When Your Child is 6 to 12 by John M. Drescher 4. Really Very Crunchy by Emily Morrow 5. How Can I Feel Productive as a Mom? by Esther Engelsma 6. Be Your Child's Pediatrician by Rachel Weaver 7. A Lifelong Love by Gary Thomas 8. Mind the Gap by Terrie Chappell 9. Heartfelt Hospitality by Terrie Chappell 10. The Railway Children by E. Nesbit 11. Calculated by...
Jun 27, 2024•36 min•Ep. 277
1 in 4 pregnancies end in miscarriage. That statistic is staggering, even more so when you become the one. When we believe that life begins at the moment of conception, the loss of a baby at any week gestation is a deep grief. A person has died. A person that a mother and a father have fallen in love with. More and more, we are hearing from the mothers. They are opening up on what has previously been termed as a "silent grief." But we do not hear from fathers much. The truth is, though mother an...
Jun 24, 2024•47 min•Ep. 276
"God's call to you is not to get things done but to use time well. God's will for you is not to get things dome but to grow in sanctification. God's purpose in creating you is not to get things done but to glorify Him." -Esther Engelsma I recently read the booklet, How Can I Feel Productive as a Mom? by Esther Engelsma. My heart was so challenged! She looks at productivity and motherhood through the perspective of eternity. There are many demands of motherhood, and we often struggle to prioritiz...
Jun 20, 2024•40 min•Ep. 275
"Salvation is more than a past experience. It is a present possession." -Clarence Sexton John writes that we can KNOW that we have eternal life, yet for many of us, we doubt our eternal security. Doubt is a real part of my story. For many years, I struggled with placing my full faith and trust in Christ for my soul's salvation. Fear clouded my understanding of Scripture. Praise the Lord for the victory He gave me in this area! On this episode, I share my salvation story and how God brought me fr...
Jun 13, 2024•31 min•Ep. 274
Scripture records many people that we can look up to and desire to model our lives after. But it also records thel lives of people who we want to be nothing like! Ahab and Jezebel are a couple that we can learn from as we see their negative example. What can we learn from this wicked couple? -You reap what you sow, and you reap more than you sow -Spouses enabling wickness instead of encouraging in righteousness -Staying close to God individually and as a couple so you don't miss His still, small...
Jun 10, 2024•35 min•Ep. 273
One of the challenging parts of parenting is discipline. This has gotten a negative rap in modern parenting, but God's Word has a lot to say about discpline. This even goes beyond the parent/child relationship, and has impact on our entire lives. Discipline is simply learning to obey God and walking in the way we should go according to His Word. There are three aspects to discipline- preventative, corrective, and redemptive. Denise Palmer, my spiritual mentor, joins me to encourage mothers in th...
Jun 06, 2024•52 min•Ep. 272
How can you encourage your pastor? Evangelist Scott Pauley gives great, biblical advice on how church members can support their pastor through prayer. This advice has impacted my life, and in this episode, I share how. We discuss... -Why your pastor needs you to pray for him and his family -How praying for your pastor will open your heart to receive more from preaching -Specific things to pray for your pastor Scriptures Referenced: Jeremiah 3:15 Romans 15:30 Ephesians 6:18 Philippians 1:18-19 Co...
May 30, 2024•35 min•Ep. 278
In 2015, The Wall Street Journal did a survey recording that while 82% of people parenting today did chores growing up, only 28% of those parents were requiring their children to do chores today. Why the significant decrease? Is it important for our children to do chores? Simeon joins me as we discuss how chores help children learn life skills, how to work together as a team, and how to grow in responsibility. Danelle Fisher, M.D., pediatrician and vice chair of pediatrics at Providence Saint Jo...
May 27, 2024•43 min•Ep. 270
Women wear many hats. We need energy and health to steward our many responsibilities well. Yet we live in a society where people are struggling with mental and physical health issues more than ever. Sarah Boots from Faithful and Flourishing joins me to share her health journey and how circadian rhythm has had an astounding impact on her quality of life. She's been chatting quite a bit about this on her Instagram account, and ladies are catching on! Many are implementing free, easy, God-designed ...
May 22, 2024•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 266
I have been baking bread for years, but this year I challenged myself to make all of our bread products from scratch. There are many reasons for this such as taste, cost, and health. Bread is a staple of most homes and kitchens. We chat about. . . -How to weave bread making into the rhythm of your day -The cost and health benefit of eating homemade bread products -Grinding your own grains Resources Referenced: NHC Podcast: Embracing a Season of Home Hope's Table Cookbook NHC Podcast: Ways to Sav...
May 16, 2024•48 min•Ep. 271
