Work and Play with Nancy Ray

Well friend, I've made it all the way to episode 300 and today's episode is a Q&A with my listeners. I'm so excited! Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount  Episode 223 : I Read the Bible in a Month Episode 232 : A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 1 Episode 233 : A Year of Sabbaths with Will Ray : Part 2 Made for People by Justin Whitmel Earley  A'Del Cosmetics  Timeless Book Series by Gabrielle Meyer  Kindle Paperwhite  Trello  Midliners The Contentment Challenge Episode 003 : The Contentment Challenge Episode 004 : Seasons of Business Episode 286 : 3 Lessons from Charlie Kirk Psalm 73:25-26 Shepherd's Way Farms  Too Good by Jess Ray Positive Parenting Solutions  Brick Device  Meeting with Jesus by David Murray Rhythms Reset Send Nancy an audio message! Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Merry Christmas! Can you believe we are here?! This episode is a little different. I am going to be sharing three really beautiful prayers that you can listen to as you'd like this week. One prayer is for the start of the Christmas season. Another is for the preparation of a meal and another is for wrapping gifts. Resources from this episode: Every Moment Holy by Douglas Kaine McKelvey  Rhythms Reset Send Nancy an audio message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Today I'm sharing all about my favorite books from 2025. Resources from this episode: Every Moment Holy  Rhythms Reset  Nancy Ray Book Club  Work & Play Episode 266 : 2025 Book List  On Moonberry Lake by Holly Varni  The Blooming of Delphinium by Holly Varni  Smart Brevity by Jim VandeHei  The Opt-Out Family by Erin Loechner The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins 40 Days of Decrease by Alicia Britt Chole Anonymous by Alicia Britt Chole Underestimated by Mary Marantz Work & Play Episode 269 : Underestimated with Mary Marantz Born to Eat by Leslie Schilling  Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin The If I Run Series by Terri Blackstock Restoration Series by Terri Blackstock How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen by Kate Strickler Work & Play Episode 283 : I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen with Kate Strickler  Love Your Life by Rachel Awtrey Work & Play Episode 282 : Love Your Life with Rachel Awtrey  My Name is Ashler Lev by Chaim Potok  When Crickets Cry by Charles Martin A Cross-Country Christmas Echo Mountain by Lauren Wolk The Wild Robot by Peter Brown Polyanna by Eleanor H. Porter The Mystwick School of Musicraft by Jessica Khoury The Timeless Series Book 1 by Gabrielle Meyer Follow me on Goodreads!  Send Nancy an audio message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

You may have heard of my Contentment Challenge where I give up shopping for anything extra in my life for three months straight. Today's episode, I want to challenge and encourage you with four reasons you might consider doing the Contentment Challenge in 2026. Resources from this episode: The Contentment Challenge  Dwell Bible App Discount  Work & Play Episode 003 : The Contentment Challenge  Rhythms Reset  Send Nancy an audio message! Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Are you feeling like you need some encouragement as you are looking ahead to 2026? Do you love planning your year or maybe not so much? Do you need a good look at the rhythms in your life that serve you, bring you closer to the Lord, and ultimately help you carry out God's assignment for you? This episode is for you. Resources from this episode: Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung  Rhythms Reset  Living Fearless by Jamie Winship  The 12 Week Year  Send Nancy an audio message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

This episode is for the mom who is overwhelmed by all the stuff in your house. All the kids' toys, clutter, stuffed animals, and tiny pieces. I see you. I am you. Maybe you can pop in some earbuds and just be encouraged today. You are not alone. This is part of our duty as mamas to take care of the stuff in our house. You've got this! Resources from this episode: Send Nancy an audio message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Clear Plastic Toy Organizers  Large Storage Bins  Rhythms Reset  Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

I'm doing something new today and I have made an episode for the whole family. So you don't have to listen to this in your earbuds. You can push "play" while you're riding in the car and listen because this is all about thanksgiving and how we can practice gratitude.   Melody Beattie said:            "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life." That is what we're talking about today. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount Rhythms Reset  Send Nancy an audio message! Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

During the week, we work, but during the weekends, we play. Today's episode is all about seven weekend rhythms that we live by. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount  Shabbat Candles Emotionally Healthy Spirituality by Peter Scazzero Art for Kids Hub The Family Teams Podcast Magnetic Whiteboard Wet Erase Markers Anchored Women Rhythms Reset  Send Nancy an audio message! Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

My incredible husband, Will, turns 40 today and I am so excited to have him on the podcast! He is going to give you forty pieces of wisdom for his 40th birthday, or as we like to call it, "40 for 40 will Will Ray." Resources from this episode: Crucial Conversations by Kerry Patterson Episode 070 - Crucial Conversations Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis Harry Potter Series Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington ​Proverbs 22:7  Proverbs 11:25 God and Money by John Cortines Financial Peace University Parenting by Paul David Tripp Unsung Hero Movie The Family Teams Podcast  The Compound Effect by Darren Harden Proverbs 4:7 F3 Nation Colossians 3:23 Proverbs 3:13 Send Nancy an audio message!  Dwell Bible App Discount  Rhythms Reset Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Today I'm talking about ten ways that I am using AI to simplify my life. Resources from this episode: ChatGPT  Grok  Plugged In Common Sense Media  Send Nancy an audio message!  Dwell Bible App Discount  Rhythms Reset Join my email list!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Last week I had the opportunity to go to Share the Arrows which is a conference put on by Allie Beth Stuckey. Today's episode is a recap of all the things I learned at that conference. Resources from this episode: Share the Arrows Conference  Dwell Bible App Discount  Carly Jean Los Angeles A'del Cosmetics We Heart Nutrition (Use code: NANCYRAY for a discount!) EveryLife     Rhythms Reset Join my email list!  Send Nancy an audio message!  Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Hey there! You're in the right place for Work & Play with Nancy Ray. A quick note: The podcast will be taking a break this week (October 14th), but I'm excited to tell you I will be back next week for another great new episode. Stay tuned and I'll catch you next week!

Today's episode is going to be light and fun. It's all about my fall favorites! Resources from this episode: Send Nancy an Audio Message!  Work & Play Episode 250 - 20 Things for Fall  Trader Joes Pumpkin Muffin Mix My Favorite Biker Shorts North Carolina State Fair I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen by Kate Strickler Kate Strickler's 4 Ingredient Pumpkin Cold Foam Olive & June Nail Polish Remover Trader Joes Vanilla Pumpkin Candle Trader Joes Honeycrisp Apple Candle Kindle Paperwhite Timeless Book Series by Gabrielle Meyer My Cozy Amazon Slippers HOKA Shoes Aerie Sweatshirt  Autumn Harvest Salad My Fall Playlist Cozy Knit Blanket Rhythms Reset Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Today I am going to talk about things that I'm really passionate about, which are three rhythms that I cannot do without every single week. Weekly planning, weekly wrap up, and a Sabbath. Resources from this episode: 168 Hours by Laura Vanderkam  Work & Play Weekly Checklist  Rhythms Reset  What's Best Next by Matt Perman  Dwell Bible App Discount Send Nancy an Audio Message! Visit my Amazon Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

חֲזַק (Pronunciation: kha-ZAK) is the Hebrew word for "be bold." Today's episode is five ways to move forward in boldness. Resources from this episode: Dwell Bible App Discount  Work & Play Episode 286: 3 Lessons from Charlie Kirk Hosanna Revival Christian Standard Bible ESV Journaling Bible  Women of the Word by Jen Wilkin Jen Wilkin Sermon on the Mount Bible Study Free Hillsdale College Constitution 101 Course Turning Point USA Homeschool Curriculum 1 Thessalonians Chapter 4 Work & Play Episode 5: Calling vs. Assignment  James 4:14 Rhythms Reset Send Nancy an Audio Message! Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Today I honor the life and death of my brother in Christ, Charlie Kirk. I also admit that I don't always get it right on this podcast and platform and I share some Scripture and some resources that might help you if you're confused about what people are saying and are searching for some truth. Resources from this episode: Rhythms Reset The Charlie Kirk Show  Charlie at My Church Turning Point USA Joshua 1:9 1 Peter 3:15  1 Corinthians 15:58 Allie Beth Stuckey Justice Episode Erika Kirk Addressing the Nation  Echo Unafraid Amir Odum YouTube Video Charlie on a College Campus: Video 1 Charlie on a College Campus: Video 2 Charlie on a College Campus: Video 3 Some Thoughts I Agree With John 14:6 John 14:27 2 Timothy Chapter 3 Send Nancy an Audio Message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

Today's episode is all about how to be proactive versus being reactive. Resources from this episode: Verity Conference (Use code: NANCYRAY15 for 15% off)  The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey  Free Weekly Checklist! Rhythms Reset Send Nancy an Audio Message!  Dwell Bible App Discount Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

I was reading through 1 Peter the other morning and this verse just stuck out at me. 1 Peter 1:13 - "Therefore, prepare your minds for action. Be sober-minded and set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." Today's episode is just me sharing a little bit of what I feel like the Lord has been teaching me lately, specifically about this verse and the importance of our minds. Resources from this episode: 1 Peter 1:13  Send Nancy an Audio Message! Rhythms Reset Dwell Bible App Discount Isaiah 26:3  Marco Polo Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!

Today I got to sit down with my friend, Kate Strickler of Naptime Kitchen, and talk all about some of our favorite things, recipes, practical things we love, but especially her new book, I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen. We talk a lot about the theme of contentment, which you guys know is dear to my heart. I'm so excited for you to listen to our conversation today. Resources from this episode: 25% Off Dwell Bible App  Episode 056 - Meal Planning Made Fun with Kate from Naptime Kitchen  The Home Reset  I Just Wish I Had a Bigger Kitchen Book by Kate Strickler Naptime Kitchen Overnight Oatmeal Naptime Kitchen Honey Butter Crockpot Chicken Naptime Kitchen Greek-ish Crockpot Chicken Naptime Kitchen Daily Green Smoothie Hawaiian Roll Cinnamon Roll Recipe Over the Door Organizer Naptime Kitchen Website Kate Strickler on Instagram  Send Nancy an Audio Message! Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!  

I met my friend Rachel at a retreat a little over a year ago and we were fast friends. She is a fellow podcaster and now an author. Today, I'm having her on the Work and Play podcast to talk all about her new book and some big sister advice that you are not going to want to miss. Resources from this episode: Rachel Awtrey Website Follow Rachel on Instagram Real Talk with Rachel Awtrey Podcast Soul Camp Love Your Life book by Rachel Awtrey Your Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk M.D.  Big Sis Advice  Just Do Something by Kevin DeYoung Psalm 68:3 Send Nancy an Audio Message! Visit my Cornerstore! Nancy Ray Website Nancy Ray on Instagram Affiliate links have been used in this post! I do receive a commission when you choose to purchase through these links, and that helps me keep this podcast up and running—I truly appreciate when you choose to use them!