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 cultureRecoginzing it's messageSeeking the TruthEquipping the next generation to combat the lies Scriptures Referenced: Deuteronomy 6:6-7 Psalm 119:105 Matthew 4:1-11 John 8:32-34 II Corinthians 11:12-14 II Timothy 2:2 I Peter 3:14-17   Resources: NHC Podcast: Convictions, Standards, and Preferences   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 mothers! Mothers who abide in CHrist- His power, His Word, His strength, His forgiveness, His love.   Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 61:4; 91:1 Proverbs 19:23 John 15:1-10 I Corinthians 7:20   Resources: NHC Podcast: Supermom     Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 these motherhood questions.   Resources: NHC Podcast: A Quiet, Contented Heart with Erin Bates Paine   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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.   Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 17:15; 21 Ecclesiastes 4:9   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 things I've learned from my experience homeschooling, research, books, and advice from other mamas. I hope this will be a help to those who are starting out on this beautiful journey!   Resources: NHC Podcast~ Sage Advice from a Homeschooling Mom with Rachel WoodwardNHC Blog~ My Favorite Books on HomeschoolingRead Aloud Revival: Sally Clarkson's Advice for Her Younger SelfNHC YouTube: Our Favorite Resources and Activities for Little Ones     Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 in a child -How to juggle multiple grades     Resources: Follow Rachel on Instagram! @learningwithboys Rachel's YouTube Channel Home School Legal Defense Association Teach Them Diligently homeschool convention Edutaters Student Logbook   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 together -The role of father and mother in family worship -How to get started -How to have a devotional time with little children   Scriptures Referenced: Deuternonmy 4:8-9, 6:7, 6:20-25, 11:19, 31:12-13, 32:45-46 Psalm 78:5   Resources: Great Hymns for Growing Hearts by Brettnay Brazzell Toddler Devotional: Bible Truths for Little Hearts Scripture Meditations CD by Erin Bates Paine Family Driven Faith by Voddie Baucham   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 Podcast: Episode 2- Our Love Story Cherish by Gary Thomas   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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, but this will help you know how to encouarge friends who walk this road.     Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 Study    Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

"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" education for our children? In this episode, we discuss the most important aspects of a homeschool environment. A loving and contented mother who is using the resources she has to the fullest will surpass any Insta-worthy classroom you might see.  You will be challenged to find satisfaction in what you have while being creative to make the space you desire with the resources you have.   Resources: The Brave Learner by Julie Bogart Educating the Wholehearted Child by Clay & Sally Clarkson    Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 Nova McBee   Resources Referenced: NHC Blog: 2024 Reading Challenge (Quarter 2)   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 and father might grieve differently, the loss is deeply felt by both. Simeon joins me in this episode to share his heart, a father's heart on miscarriage. In June of 2021, our baby Victory went to heaven. Though the sorrow was great, God's comfort and peace are greater still! This episode will be encouraging and helpful to men who also walk this road, or those who seek to help others navigate this grief.   Scriptures Referenced: Isaiah 25:8 John 11:35-44 Romans 12:15 I Corinthains 15:54   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

"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 prioritize well. Sometimes, we get much done but we missed the things that are the most important.  In this episode, I share my takeaways from this helpful booklet. I pray it will encourage you as much as it has me!   Scriptures Referenced: John 10:10 Philippians 2:7   Resourced Referenced: How Can I Feel Productive as a Mom? by Esther Engelsma Trusting Christ When Your Hands Are Full by Gloria Furman NHC Podcast: Mundane Moments or Moments of Worship? Faithful and Flourishing E-Guide   Follow my  journey by subscribing to this podcast. You can also follow me on Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org