No Higher Calling

Throughout this year, we have been looking at undesirable couples of the Bible seeing that most of them struggled because they did not have a oneness in marriage. This is beyond physical oneness, but also spiritual and emotional.  We come to Ahasuerus and Esther, and we discuss what to do when a spouse is unequally yoked with a non-believer. Esther gives a beautiful example of God's love and grace as she interacts with her heathen husband.    Scriptures Referenced: The book of Esther II Corinthians 6:14   Resources Referenced: NHC Family Podcast Series: Undesirable Couples of the Bible NHC Shop Great Hymns for Growing Hearts: Christ the Saviour is Born   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

What is God's will for my life? That is a big question. We are asked this, espcially during our teenage years, but as time moves on, we continue to ask, "God, what is your will for me?" We tend to ask this with a 5 year or 10 year objective. We want the answer to the long-term plan.  In Psalm 119:105, God gives us a key to unlocking the mystery of this question. His Word is a lamp unto our feet. This is speaking of a light, an illumiation, for the very next step. As we follow God in obedience in the day-to-day decisions, it will set our path on the trajectory to walk out the path He has created us for.  God desires that we walk step by step. As we follow, He gives more light. But the big picture plan that we often desire is left in God's hands. This keeps us dependent on Him for daily guidance. The Christian life is walking through every moment hand in hand with our Savior.   Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 24:27 Psalm 119:105; 139:13-17 Proverbs 16:9 Jeremiah 29:11   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

Confidence: a trusting or reliance; an assurrance of mind of firm belief in the integrity, stability, or veracity of another, or in the truth or reality of a fact -Webster's 1828 Dictionary Confidence: that which has a firm foundation; steadfastness of mind, firmness, courage -definition of the Greek word hypostasis (confidence) We live in an instable world that seeks to shake our confidence. We must remember that our confidence is not rooted in anything other than Christ. Because of that, our confidence is steadfast and sure! In this episode, we discuss how to live confidently in a broken world.   Scriptures Referenced: Psalm 118:6, 8 Proverbs 11:28; 14:26; 28:26 Ezra 33:13 Jeremiah 48:7 Philippians 1:6; 3:3 Isaiah 14:24 II Corithians 12:9 Ephesians 3:11-12 Hebrews 3:14; 4:16 I John 2:28; 5:14   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 has an order. Culture disrupts that order and dwells in compounded confusion. This is clearly seen in context of marriage and the roles within marriage.  When God established the first marriage in Genesis, He called what He designed very good. Simeon and I go back to the beginning to dicuss... -Responsibilities and roles within marriage -Husband and wife working as a team -Satan's attack on the nuclear family   Scriptures Referenced: Genesis 2 & 3 II Corinthians 6:14 Ephesians 5:25-33 Titus 1:5   Resources: Eve in Exile by Rebekah Merkle   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

Our lives can be inundated by fear, yet God's Word tells us again and again to fear not. How are we to obey that command when there are so many things that cause us worry and concern? We discuss identifying irrational versus rational fears. We must not waste our time worrying about fears that are not based in reality. But when we do have real fears, we need to learn to give them to the Lord, remember is faithfulness, and trust Him with the outcomes.   Scriptures Referenced: Proverbs 19:23 John 10:10 Romans 8:28 II Timothy 1:7 Hebrews 13:5-6 I John 4:18     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

Laundry can be quite the pain point for homemakers. The endless mountains of clothes to wash, fold, and put away can feel overwhelming. In this episode, I share some tips that have helped me stay on top of our laundry as a family of seven. I also share great tips from some of my audience! Thank you to all those who added your input. I hope maybe one of these ideas will help you find better rhythms in this area of homemaking.   Resources: NHC YouTube: Make Your Own Laundry Detergent  Young Living Thieves Laundry Soap Miss Mouth's Messy Eater Stain Treater (affiliate link)     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

Throughout this study, we have continually seen the theme of couples who were not one whether that be spiritually, emotionally, or physically. Ananias and Sapphire were one, but it was in sin. This led to a disastrous end for this couple.  As we look at their marriage, we discuss the importance of being sober-minded and true to the promises that we make to God.   Scriptures Referenced: Exodus 21:14 Proverbs 6:16 Ecclesiastes 5:4-6 Acts 4:32-5:11   Resources: NHC Podcast: Couples of the Bible Study  NHC Podcast: Marriage Purity   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

Obedience brings blessing. This is a principle found all throughout Scripture. In the New Testament, God commands His people to be "given to hospitality." Obedience in this area brings abundant blessings!  In this episode, we discuss blessings that come from ministering to others through hospitality. -The blessing of influencing others for Christ -The blessing of cultivating relationships -The blessing of fellowship, laughter, and encouragement -The blessing of teaching moments for our children   Scriptures Referenced: Proverbs 17:22; 18:24 Acts 18 Romans 12:13 Hebrews 6:10   Resources: Heartfelt Hospitality by Terrie Chappell NHC Hospitality Guide NHC Holiday Hospitality NHC Podcast Hospitality Series   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

After working as a pediatric RN for over a decade, Elizabeth Parsons left the hospital to pursue a more holistic approach to health. On this episode, she gives advice on how to fight sickness naturally. We discuss... -Transitioning from conventional medicine to a holistic approach -Simple, free steps to pursuing a healthy lifestyle -Cooking nourishing foods from scratch -Cleaning your home with natural products -Top 5 essentials for a natural medicine cabinet   Resources: Follow Elizabeth Parsons on Instagram @purelyparsons Purely Parsons Shop Hear more from Elizabeth Parsons   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 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 you!)The detox process of getting rid of the TVHow to still enjoy movies without having a TVHow to keep children entertained without screensThe crisis of screen addition in the younger generationsBeing intentional about what you prioritize in your homeHow to navigate making this decision as a coupleParents responsibility to be gatekeepers Resources: NHC Podcast: GatekeeperNHC Podcast: The Greenhouse Effect with Denise PalmerNHC Podcast: Too Much TV?NHC Podcast: Establishing a Quiet TImeSight and Sound TheatresNHC Blog: Date Night Game Ideas     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

As we wrap up another quarter of 2024, I share the books that I've been reading.  The Bucket List Family by Jessica GeeSimulated by Nova McBeeThe Silver Chair by C. S. LewisLove Without Borders by Angela BraniffLittle Women by Louisa May AlcottFamily Driven Faith by Voddie BauchamMere Motherhood by Cindy RollinsTwelve 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 Instagram, YouTube, and www.nohighercalling.org Subscribe to the NHC email at www.nohighercalling.org

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 BLW method   Resources: Baby-Led Weaning: The Essential Guide by Gill Rapley, PhD, and Tracey Murkett   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

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 NHC Podcast: The Abiding Mother   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