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LOVING LIFE AT HOME - Christian Marriage, Biblical Parenting, Creative Homemaking, Purposeful Living
LOVING LIFE AT HOME - Christian Marriage, Biblical Parenting, Creative Homemaking, Purposeful Living
Loving Life at Home is a Christian podcast hosted by Jennifer Flanders, a wife, homeschooling mother of twelve, and grandmother. It offers biblical encouragement and practical advice for marriage, parenting, homemaking, and purposeful living. Episodes address building stronger family bonds, creating a peaceful home, and navigating doubt and anxiety in light of Scripture. Flanders draws on her own experience to mentor younger women in loving their husbands and children and keeping the home.
Episodes
EP 117: Stay after Souls (Lifestyle Evangelism)
Welcome to Part 3 of my series on Christian Discipleship: We've already covered Stay in the Book and Stay on Your Knees. Today we'll address the last imperative: Stay after Souls. So let's discuss what that means and what evangelism should look like in the life of a born-again Christian.
So today, I want to tackle that last imperative: “Stay after souls.” This has the idea of evangelism at its
EP 116: Stay on Your Knees (Pray without Ceasing)
In this week’s episode of Loving Life at Home, I’m tackling part two of my three-part series on Christian discipleship. It’s all about the topic and practice of prayer and its important place in the life of every believer who desires a closer, more vibrant walk with Christ.
Show Notes
RELATED LINKS:
EP 71: The Power of Prayer
Free Pretty Printable Prayer Guides (packed with Scripture)
50+ Favorite
EP 115: Stay in the Book (Bible Study Basics)
This is Part 1 of a three part series on Christian living: Stay in the book. Stay on your knees. And stay after souls. Listen in as we delve into Bible study basics, covering translations, tools, methods, and motivations for reading God's Word and hiding it in our hearts.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
James 1:5 - "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God...."
Acts 8:30-39 - “...Do you unders
EP 114: Best Thrfting Tips and Finds
In answer to questions from subscribers, I'm sharing my best tips for buying things secondhand -- including where and how to look for what you need, and my favorite categories of things to buy used.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
Psalm 37:4-5 - "Delight yourself in the LORD, and He will give you
EP 113 - A Letter to My Father (& How to Make Peace with Yours)
Father's Day is right around the corner. So this seems like a good time to revisit the topic of fathers and fatherhood – including how to make peace with the dad you had, whether he was warm and loving and generally around. Or cold and distant and seldom available. Or somewhere in between.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
Psalm 68:5 – “A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy d
EP 112: Avoiding Alzheimer's: 9 Science-Backed Strategies
Today we're talking about research-based, proactive steps you and I can take now to (hopefully) avoid developing Alzheimer’s dementia later. I hope you'll listen in and be encouraged!
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
John 3:30 - “He must increase; I must decrease.”
Thessalonians 5:17 - “Pray without ceasing.”
Colossians 4:2 - “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.”
Ephesians 6:18 - “
EP 111: Are You Up for a Challenge?
Thirty-eight years, eight months, one week, and six days. That's how long I've been married to my husband.
You might think that after nearly four decades, we'd have this marriage thing down pat. That by now, the hard work would be behind us. That maybe we could just coast through the rest of our marriage with the wind on our faces, enjoying the view.
But being married is like riding a bike. Y
EP 110: Are You a Joyful Mother?
The Bible tells us children are a blessing, but we can sometimes lose sight of that fact amid all the diaper changes and temper tantrums and bedtime struggles. Then our joy dries up like a baby's crusty drool on the shoulder of Mom's T-shirt.
What can be done to regain it?
That's the topic of this week's podcast, sent in by a young mother who feels guilty for not being more joyful and playfu
EP 109: Does Your Marriage Need a Miracle?
The topic for this episode is something that is absolutely essential to building a strong and happy marriage. In fact, I have never seen a marriage truly thrive without this thing, but I’ve seen many a marriage crumble in its absence. Tune in to find what this important ingredient is, and how it can miraculously transform a not-so-happily-ever-after marriage.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
Ephesians 4:1
EP 108: How Can You Tell When You Need a Break?
In today's episode, I share what my family has been doing lately and answer a fellow homeschooler's question about how you can tell when you need a break.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Mark 2:27 - "The Sabbath was created for man, not man for the Sabbath."
- Matthew 12:11 - “What man is there among you who, if he has only one sheep and it falls into a pit on the Sabbath, will not take hold of it and
EP 107: Q&A - Passports, Prayers, Post-40 Pregnancy, and Purged Inboxes
I'm cleaning out my inbox for the new year and answering some of the questions that have piled up there since my last Q&A.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
1 Thess. 5:17 – “Pray without ceasing.”
Titus 1:7-9 – “For the overseer must be above reproach as God’s steward, not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not addicted to wine, not pugnacious, not fond of sordid gain, but hospitable, loving what is good
EP 106: 10 New Year Resolutions We All Should Make
I love the fresh start January represents, so I normally kick it off with a list of New Year’s resolutions as long as my arm.
Some of my goals are specific and easily quantifiable: Walk a mile a day. Read a book a week. Get 7 hours of sleep a night. That way, even if I only walk 5-6 miles a week, read 3 books a month, or occasionally stay up late, I’ll still be better off than if I didn’t try to d
EP 105: The Reason for this Season
I love all the bright lights and decorated trees and beautiful packages and cheerful songs that so characterize Christmas in so many people’s minds, but if we miss the real reason behind all those things, we’ll miss the whole purpose and most important part of the season.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
Matthew 2:9-10 – “...when they saw the star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy.”
John 8:12 – “...
EP 104: Giving Thanks through Hardships
I took a longer break from podcasting than planned, thanks to all that must be done for my daughter's upcoming wedding. But I didn't want to let Thanksgiving pass without encouraging you to count your blessings and to discuss the importance of giving thanks, even through hardship.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Proverbs 30:8-9 - "Keep deception and lies far from me, God. Give me neither...."
- J
EP 103: How Should Christians Handle Halloween?
Few things stir up as much controversy or elicit as many strongly held opinions in Christian circles this time of year as the question of how believers should handle Halloween. Today, we'll look at what the Bible has to say about the matter and discuss the need for extending grace to anyone who doesn't share our viewpoint.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Titus 1:15 – “To the pure, all things are pure..
EP 102: My Daughter Just Eloped (& Why That Makes Me Happy)
My daughter eloped last week, and my husband and I couldn't be more delighted. Yet some of our friends are baffled by our reaction. So I'm unpacking the reasons we think it was a smart move on this week's episode of Loving Life at Home.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Ephesians 3:20 - "Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think...."
- Proverbs 18:22 - “He who fi
EP 101: Surprising Benefits from Family Storytelling
Researchers from Emory University have found that the #1 predictor of a child’s emotional well-being is how well that kid knows his family history. So this week, I’d like to talk to you about storytelling, about how important stories are for the growth and development and emotional wellbeing of our children, and about what kinds of stories we as parents need to make sure we are passing down to our
EP 100: Q&A - Toddler Training, Morning Sickness, and Dealing with Disapproving Parents
I'm answering more questions from listeners this week -- all about announcing pregnancies, corralling toddlers, and dealing with disapproving parents.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Matthew 6:27 - "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
- James 1:5 - "But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to
EP 99: How to Live a Yielded Life
Jesus calls believers to deny themselves, take up their cross, and follow Him. But what does a life wholly yielded to God even look like in this day and age? It's marked by a willingness to:
- Die to yourself
- Trust God completely
- Know His Word
- Submit to His will
- Point others to Jesus
- Suffer for His name
- Follow Christ alone
- Love others selflessly
We are unpacking all this and more t
EP 98: 9 Ways to Defuse a Disagreement
Romans 12:18 tells us, “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” How does that play out in real life? Is there a place for meaningful debate on important topics? And, if so, how can we keep such discussions calm and civil and God-honoring? What steps can we take to defuse a disagreement and keep it from escalating into a full-blown fight? That's the topic of this
EP 97: Q&A - Babies, Books, and Correcting Other People's Children
This week, I’ve been cleaning out my inbox and answering some of the questions my blog readers, podcast listeners, and/or newsletter subscribers have sent in, and I've decided to tackle several of those topics on today's podcast episode.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Proverbs 29:17 - "Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart.”
- James 1:5 - "But if any of yo
EP 96 - 25 Ways to Be a Good Neighbor
Since September is National Good Neighbor Month, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some ways to be a good neighbor.
Compiling this list of ideas was easy. Our family has been blessed with lots and lots of wonderful neighbors throughout the years, so it was a simple matter of remembering all the kind things they’ve done for us along the way.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Colossians 4:5
EP 95: Our Family Shark Tank Challenge
We have an uber-competitive family who loves any kind of contest, physical or mental, especially when prizes are involved. We recently gathered to compete in a Family Shark Tank Challenge. And in Episode 95 of Loving Life at Home, I'm dishing up all the details as to how it went down.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- 1 Corinthians 9:24 - “Do you not know that in a race all the runners run, but only o
EP 94: Raising Kids Who Don't Rebel (Is That Even Possible?)
This week I'm answering a question from a listener who'd like to know how to raise kids who won't resent your family rules or rebel against them. Is that even possible? Listen in on Episode 94 as we discuss what parents can do to reduce the risk of rebellion.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Philippians 1:6 - "...he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesu
EP 93 - A Wedding Anniversary with Many Happy Returns
There is no coasting in marriage. You’re either growing closer together or drifting further apart. You must be intentional about investing in your marriage and nurturing your relationship to your spouse every chance you get.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Romans 12:10 - "Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor."
- Ephesians 5:33 - "However, each one of you also mu
EP 92 - Unexpected Benefits of Big Family Living
The CDC announced last week that the US General Fertility Rate has recently hit an all-time low of only 1.6 children per woman of childbearing age. That makes me sad, because I know how much joy children bring to life. The more, the merrier! In fact, as parents of twelve, my husband and I have reaped a lot of blessings from having a large family we could have never anticipated beforehand -- and so
EP 91: Changing Course When You've Done It All Wrong
A listener wrote me recently to say she's made more mistakes that she can count. She wanted advice as to how she could get back on track. "How do I change course when I've done everything wrong?"
She had lots of other great questions, too, so in Episode 91, I'm tackling all of them. I hope you'll listen in and be blessed.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- James 1:5 - “If any of you lack wisdom, let him a
EP 90: What Would Jesus Do?
We don't have to wonder or make wild guesses about what Jesus would do -- the Bible tells us clearly how He lived when He was here on earth, the kind of things He prioritized, and what He expects of anyone who chooses to follow Him.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Philippians 2 - "Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ..."
- Mark 10:45 - “For even the Son of Man came not to be served, but to
EP 89: The Art of Making Memories
I read a book last week called The Art of Making Memories. It was fascinating, though nothing like I expected. In this week's episode, I share what I learned and what I think of this work.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- John 16:21 - "A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the wor
EP 88: On Accepting Unchangeables
Each and every one of us has been born with qualities that cannot be altered and into circumstances beyond our control. The question is, how will you approach the unchangeables in your life? Will you learn to accept and live with them (and maybe even appreciate them)? Or will you allow bitterness and resentment over those unchangeables fester in the depths of your heart? The choice you make will h
EP 87: Lost and Found (A Story about My Dad)
Father's Day is less than a week away, so I thought this would be a wonderful time to share a story about my father. I have lots of cherished memories to choose from, but this is one of my all-time favorites.
I'm sure that, in the midst of the childhood crisis I was experiencing at the time, my dad never dreamed what a lasting and long-reaching effect of his response would have in my life, but it
EP 86: Two Key Ways to Help Your Kids Flourish
Our oldest son just celebrated his 37th birthday and told us over dinner what he considers the two most important and impactful things his dad and I did for him growing up, so I'm unpacking both this week's episode. I hope you'll listen in.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED
James 1:23-25 -“For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who ....”
Psalms 1:3 - “...his leaf also shall n
EP 85: Memorize Proverbs 3 with Me
The best way I know to "meditate day and night" on the Word of God is to commit large portions of Scripture to memory. Then you'll always have it with you. Want an easier way to do that? Listen in to Loving Life at Home for a simple, straightforward way to memorize Proverbs 3 with me -- the entire chapter.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
Proverbs 3
Psalm 119:97
RELATED LINKS:
EP 28: Bible Memory Tips
Mem
EP 84: How Not to Diet
Several months ago, a reader named Donna sent me the following request: “I’d love to hear your summary or take away of how not to diet but lose weight."
So on this week's episode, I'm discussing Dr. Michael Greger's book, How Not to Diet, and the amazing effects implementing his suggestions have had on my health, weight, and energy levels.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
Psalm 139:16 - "Thine eyes have s
EP 83: In Honor of Mothers Everywhere
Mother’s Day is right around the corner, so that’s what I’d like to discuss on the podcast this week. Even if giving birth to you is all your mother ever did, she would still be worthy of your gratitude and respect. But for most of our moms, the end of labor and delivery was when the real work began.
Show Notes:
VERSES CITED:
Ephesians 6:2-3 - "Honor your father and your mother --which is the fir
EP 82 - Cultivating Contentment
Much of the material from this week's podcast comes from a blog post I wrote on cultivating contentment over a decade ago, but the same strategy still works today. If you've ever found yourself fixating on your problems, stewing about things over which you have no control, or struggling to "rejoice in all circumstances," this episode is for you!
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
1 Timothy 6:6-8 – “Now godl
EP 81: When You Feel Like You're Just Treading Water
Sometimes life's responsibilities seem so overwhelming and inescapable that you feel like you're barely treading water. How do you cope when the going gets tough, and your energy's already depleted? Here are seven strategies that have kept me afloat during the busiest, most exhausting seasons of mothering 12 children and managing a increasingly busy household.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- “These thi
EP 80: Egg Hunts & Other Easter Celebrations
We're right in the middle of holy week, which makes this a great time to discuss some of our family's favorite Easter traditions -- especially those that keep our focus on the finished work of Christ on the cross.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Matthew 13:44 - “The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that
EP 79: Let's Adopt a Winston Churchill Mindset in Marriage
Little known fact: Today (April 9) is Winston Churchill Day in the US. So today, I'm taking some of my favorite quotes from the British Bulldog, examining them in light of scripture, and applying them to marriage. I hope you'll listen in!
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Luke 12:48 - “From everyone who has been given much, much will be required....”
- Romans 12:10 - “Be devoted to one another in love. H
EP 78: 7 Ways to Ruin Your Marriage
Proverbs 14:1 tells us, “The wise woman builds her house, but the foolish tears it down with her own hands.”
I normally like to focus on the first part of that verse and consider, “What are some wise ways we can build our homes and strengthen our family relationships?”
But instead of taking my usual approach and discussing how to nurture your marriage and make it better, today I’d like to examine
EP 77: Good Timing for Big Decisions
This week on Loving Life at Home I'm answering a couple of questions about starting a family during medical school, but the principles also apply to other decisions people put off while waiting for perfect timing.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Ecclesiastes 4:12 - "Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken."
- Psalm 127:3 - "Children are a
EP 76: After Valentine's Day... A Plea for Perseverance
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life."
- Romans 12:10 - “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
RELATED LINKS:
- A Prayer for Singles - free printable prayer guide
- The State of a Union - How grows your marriage?
- In Praise of
EP 75: Emphasize Your Spouse's Good Points
Pop quiz: Which would you prefer?
(a) That your husband focus his thoughts on your loveliest, most noble and praiseworthy characteristics?
(b) That he ignore your good points completely and concentrate instead on your most annoying and bothersome flaws?
That's an easy answer, as far as I'm concerned. So shouldn't you make every effort to treat your spouse the way you'd want to be treated yourself
EP 74: Standing in the TRUTH
My youngest daughter and I just got home from a fun-filled mother-daughter retreat our homeschool co-op sponsors every January. The theme of this year's retreat was "Standing in the Truth," and in this week's episode, I'm sharing the major points of a talk I gave at the retreat on that same topic. I hope you'll listen in and let me know what you think in the comment section below.
Show Notes
VERSE
EP 73 - How to Get Your Kids to Stop Fighting
Are sibling squabbles driving you crazy? Do you crave a respite from all your kids' bickering? Then listen in today as I answer another reader's question: "How can I get my kids to stop fighting?"
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
-1 John 4:20-21 - "...the one who loves God should love his brother also."
- Luke 6:31 - "Do to others as you would have them do to you."
- Galatians 5:13 - "...do not use your f
EP 72: Dealing with Unneighborly Neighbors
For the new year, I want to tackle some of the questions that have been piling up in my inbox, starting with how to deal with neighbors who aren’t very neighborly. Listen in for four tips on getting through to the people who live nearby.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Matthew 5:14 - “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
- Proverbs 27:10 – “...Better is a neighbor
EP 71: The Power of Prayer
There is great power in prayer, and Christians should be careful never to neglect this amazing privilege and vital discipline. That's why God commands us to "pray without ceasing.
What's more, God will always answer our prayers -- though not necessarily in the manner we hope or expect.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- 1 Thess. 5:17 - "Pray without ceasing."
- Psalm 139:13-16 - "For You formed my inward
EP 70: Unwrapping Cancer for Christmas
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Colossians 1:16-17 – “For by Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things have been created by Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.”
- John 10:28-29 – “I give them eternal life, and they will never perish. No one can snat
EP 69: When Things Don't Go As Planned
The best laid plans sometimes go awry. How should we respond when that happens? That's what we're discussing on Loving Life at Home this week: What should one do when things don't go as planned?
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Proverbs 16:9 - “The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.”
- Matt 10:29-31 - “Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the
EP 68: That Time My Husband Almost Got a Vasectomy
It's Thanksgiving week, so I'm counting my blessings, and my 12 children are right up there at the top of the list.
Another thing I'm grateful for? The fact my husband didn't cut my childbearing years short by getting a vasectomy, though he definitely considered it at one point.
Listen to this week's episode to hear why, and to learn what stopped him from going through with it.
Show Notes:
VERSES
EP 67: Early Education Ideas for Preschoolers
This week on Loving Life at Home, I'm tackling a question about early education for preschoolers: What can a mom of multiple toddlers do to make sure her little ones are getting what they need? Those were pressing thoughts on my mind, too, when I was a young mom, and in today's episode, I'm sharing the advice a wise mentor gave me at the time. It served me and my children well and will hopefully d
EP 66: Marriage to a Difficult Man
Several years ago, I read a book entitled Marriage to a Difficult Man. I felt a little self-conscious toting it around with me at the time, lest anyone assume it was a how-to book rather than recognizing it for what it was: a biography of the famous 18th-century revivalist preacher Jonathan Edwards in relation to his very patient and supportive wife.
I have a similar concern in publishing this wee
EP 65: How to Overcome Bad Thoughts
Nearly everyone has to wrestle with negative or sinful or intrusive thoughts at one time or other, so in today's episode, we're talking strategies for overcoming bad thoughts and taking them captive to the obedience of Christ.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- 2 Cor. 10:5 - “We are destroying speculations and every lofty thing raised up against the knowledge of God….”
- Psalm 19:14 - “Let the words of my
EP 64: 8 Crucial Things My Mom Got Right
Today is my mom's 87th birthday, and this episode is in her honor. I'm immeasurably blessed to have the mother God gave me, and have learned so much from her over the years. Today I'm sharing 8 crucial things my mom did right, so you can benefit from her good example, too.
Show Notes:
VERSES CITED:
- Proverbs 31:15 - “She rises while yet it is night....”
- Proverbs 31:17 - “She sets about her wor
EP 63: Get Ready for Stress-Free Holidays
Thanksgiving and Christmas are just around the corner. Does getting ready for the holidays feel burdensome or overwhelming to you? In Episode 63 of Loving Life at Home, we're discussing strategies to steer clear of stress, side-step the hustle-bustle, and enjoy a merry, meaningful, and blissfully peaceful advent season.
Show Notes
RELATED VERSES:
- Philippians 4:6 - "Be anxious for nothing, but in
EP 62: I Am NOT Enough (& Why It's Liberating to Admit It)
Despite the fact the world proclaims with one loud voice, “You are enough!” that has never been the way it has played out in my life. And do you know what? It’s liberating to admit that fact. Join me today as we discuss why we should reject that self-affirmation for the lie it is.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may
EP 61: How to Handle Deep Regrets in Parenting & Life
We've all said or done things that we later regret, sometimes profoundly so. But where does regret come from, and how are we supposed to handle this tangle of negative emotions? That's our topic for this week's episode of Loving Life at Home
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Romans 8:28 - "God causes all things to work together for good to those who love...."
- Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the wa
EP 60: Smart Ideas for Connecting Grandparents and Grandkids
Grandparent's Day is coming up, so this week we're discussing how to cultivate a closer relationship between grandkids and grandparents, including things parents can do to facilitate the connection.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- James 5:16 - “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.”
- Philippians 4:6 - “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, wit
EP 59: On Deciding If and When to Have Children
To be or not to be a parent... that is the question. Given the dark times in which we live, how are Christian couples to view the prospect of having children? What considerations should they take into account as they try to decide when--or whether--to start a family.
I hope you'll listen in today as we examine many of the most common objections couples give regarding the prospect of having ch
EP 58: The Best Wedding Gift You'll Ever Get
Tune into Episode 58 as we discuss the best wedding gift any couple will ever receive — a gift that God Himself designed and prepared especially for husbands and wives to enjoy and one that will benefit them in more ways than you might ever imagine!
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Genesis 2:21-25 - "And the Lord God caused a deep sleep to fall upon Adam...."
- Proverbs 18:22 - "He who finds a wife
EP 57: How Our Family Handles Children's Chores
This week on the Loving Life at Home Podcast, we’re talking all about children’s chores. I’ve been fielding a lot of questions on this topic lately, and I realize I haven’t shared much about how we handle chores at our house, so today is the day! I hope you'll listen in.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Proverbs 14:4 - "Where there are no oxen, the manger is clean, but abundant crops come by the
EP 56: How to Make a Good Apology
My topic this week is something that is very basic but is also extremely important. The sooner you master it, the sooner you’ll start reaping the benefits in each and every relationship you have. It will improve your interactions with your spouse, your children, your parents, your siblings, your coworkers, your neighbors, cashiers, waiters, customer service reps--the list goes on and on.
What is t
EP 55: Smoothing Your Child's Passage to Adulthood
Parents frequently ask us for tips on successfully launching their young adult kids. While there are no guaranteed formulas, today I'm sharing some general tips to help smooth your child's passage to adulthood.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- 1 Corinthians 14:20 - "Be innocent as babies when it comes to evil, but be mature in understanding matters...."
- 1 Corinthians 15:19 - "If only for this life we
EP 54: How to Cultivate a Thriving Marriage
A marriage is a lot like a garden. Both require a lot of tending. In Episode 54 of the Loving Life at Home Podcast, we'll explore six essentials that must be present if you want your marriage (or your garden) to thrive.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Psalm 139:23-24 - "“Search me, O God, and know my heart..."
- Hosea 10:12 - “Sow righteousness for yourselves, reap the fruit of unfailing love..."
- Jer
EP 53: Microsystems for Managing Your Home
This week, I'm tackling a question from one of my most faithful listeners of all time (who also happens to be my daughter-in-law): Rebekah Joy. She asked me to cover some of the microsystems for managing our home that my husband and I put in place to keep everything running smoothly.
Once she explained the kind of microsystems she was talking about (including several her husband/our son impleme
EP 52: Helping Your Husband Make Better Food Choices
I received a message from a listener this week who was concerned about her husband's health. His diet needs work, he does't get enough sleep or enough exercise, and lately he's been experiencing chest pain. She wondered if I could give her some ideas for motivating him to make better decisions.
On this episode of Loving Life at Home, I'm sharing the four tips I gave her for dealing with the situa
EP 51: Waiting in a Way that Honors God
So much of life is spent in limbo. Waiting for a baby, a ride, or a test result. Waiting for a paycheck, a court date, or summer vacation. We wait… and wait… and wait some more. Is there a way we can do it to the glory of God? How can we wait in a way that honors Him?
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- “Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” (Colossians 4:2)
- "Be alert and of sober m
EP 50: Marriage Lessons Best Learned by Example
The marriage lessons we learn by example are often the most memorable.
Some of the examples we see teach us what works, what leads to a successful, happy marriage, what we may want to emulate in our own.
But sometimes the examples we see serve as cautionary tales. They show us what doesn’t work, what kinds of attitudes and behaviors will submarine your marriage and undermine its happiness or long
EP 49: On Miscarriage - Help for Hurting Hearts
Since I sometimes hear from women asking for advice on dealing with miscarriages, I wanted to share my thoughts and experience with this topic in hopes of encouraging others who may be suffering from the same kind of grief and loss. Listen in as we discuss recovery, rainbow babies, responding to insensitive remarks, and more.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Psalm 30:5 - “Weeping may last through the ni
EP 48: The Surest Way to Get Where You're Going
Our family is on the road again this week our way to North Carolina (at least the ones who aren’t taking college classes this summer).
As usual, we prayed in the driveway before we left home, asking God to watch over us while we’re traveling and to get us safely to our destination.
But a couple of other practices help make sure we get where we're going -- and that's what I want to talk about in th
EP 47: 6 Tips for Dealing with Change
Sooner or later, we will all face change of some sort. Change is an inevitable part of life. The question is, how will we deal with change when it comes. Today, I'm sharing six strategies I use to keep my wits when my world is turning upside down.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Philippians 3:13-14 - "...forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead..."
- James 1:2-3 - "My brethre
EP 46: Let Us Never Forget
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- John 15:13 - "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."
- 1 John 3:16 - "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters."
RELATED LINKS:
The Boy Enlists by Edgar Albert Guest
In Flanders Field by John McCrae
Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address
Miss
EP 45: Don't Waste the Crust (the Tough Part's Important)
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- “Pray without ceasing; in everything give thanks; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:17-18)
- “These things I have spoken unto you that in Me ye might have peace. In the world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer, for I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) and…
- “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter variou
EP 44: Cultivating Friendship Between Siblings
One of the first things people usually notice about our children is how well they get along. Sure, they have occasional squabbles, but that is the exception rather than the rule. For the most part, they really love and admire one another and enjoy being in each other's company.
They are friends.
And cultivating friendship between siblings is the topic of this week's episode of Loving Life at
EP 43: 6 Surefire Strategies to Wipe Out Whining
If you’ve ever had a child who is given to whining, you know how grating it can get on the nerves of every member of the household. But thankfully, there is an effective way to help your little one break this bad habit. Listen to this week's episode of Loving Life at Home to learn six surefire strategies to wipe out whining.
Show Notes
RELATED VERSES:
- Philippians 2:14-15 - "Do everything withou
EP 42: Traveling with Children
Over the years, our family has found ways to make traveling with children more enjoyable, economical, educational, and easy. Listen in for tips you can use on your next family vacation.
Show Notes
RELATED SCRIPTURE:
- Psalm 37:23 - "The steps of a man are ordered by the LORD who takes delight in his journey."
- Proverbs 16:9 - "A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps."
RELATED
EP 41: How I Met My Husband
This is birthday week for our family: my daughter's birtday is the 20th, mine's the 21st, my husband's is the 22, and we met on the 23rd. That last point -- the story of how I met my husband -- is the topic of today's podcast.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Isaiah 55:18 - "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the LORD."
- Proverbs 3:15-16 - "Trust in the LOR
EP 40: Setting Worthwhile Goals
Goals are important because they provide a sense of purpose and direction. Proverbs 16:9 assures us “A man’s heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.”
So even when you aren’t 100% sure what the LORD would have you do with your time, I recommend prayerfully setting a worthwhile goal and working toward it. As long as you hold your plans lightly, you can trust God to redirect you if that
EP 39: Should a Married Woman Have Close Male Friends?
How should husbands and wives navigate friendships with the opposite sex? That's our podcast topic this week, prompted by an email I got from a reader wanting to know, "Should a married woman have close male friends?"
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Genesis 2:24 - "For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united..."
- Mark 10:7-9 - “...therefore what God has joined together, let n
EP 38: Making the Most of Your Child's Learning Style
Modern lists of learning styles are much lengthier than the one I learned in school. And after raising 12 children, I can think of a few learning styles I've never seen on any chart. So in this episode of Loving Life at Home, we are discussing how to make the most of your child's learning style -- and what to do if you can't figure it out.
SCRIPTURES CITED:
- Galatians 6:9 - "And let us not grow w
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