LOVING LIFE AT HOME - Christian Marriage, Biblical Parenting, Creative Homemaking, Purposeful Living

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 kids. I hope you'll listen in and be encouraged. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Deuteronomy 11:19  - Psalm 139:13-16 - Ephesians 2:10 RELATED LINKS: - Eric Barker's Book: Barking Up the Wrong Tree - Barking up the Wrong Tree Newsletter - EP 19: Amazing Stories of God's Provision - Our Christmas Letters - Glad Tidings - the first 25 years of Christmas letters in book form - Writing Your Own Christmas Letters - EP 88: On Accepting Your Unchangeables STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources - Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers - My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website  

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 him." - Philippians 2:3-4 - “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.”  RELATED LINKS:  - Stop, Drop, and Roll - free printable exercise game - How Do You Handle Picky Eaters - our best tips - 5 Smart Ways to Get Kids to Eat More Vegetables - Age-Appropriate Chores - free printable chart - Cultivating Creativity in Young Children - free printable chart - French Kids Eat Everything - book by Karen Le Billon - Keeping Toddlers Occupied - God Hath Not Promised Hymn STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources - Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers - My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website  

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 this week on the Loving Life at Home Podcast. I hope you'll listen in and be encouraged. Show Notes VERSES CITED: John 12:23-24 – “...unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.’” Matthew 16:24 – “Then Jesus said to His disciples, “If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me.” (see also Luke 9:23 and Mark 8:34) Mark 8:35 – “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake and the gospel will save it.” 1 John 2:17 – “The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.” 1 Corinthians 10:31 – “Whether, then, you eat or drink or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Philippians 1:21 – “For me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” Luke 22:42 - “Father, not my will, but thine be done.” Hebrews 12:1 – “... let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us.” 2 Timothy 4:7 – “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course, I have kept the faith” 2:10 – “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.” 1 Corinthians 2:14 - “The unbeliever does not receive the things of the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him. And he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned.” 1 Corinthians 1:27 - “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, and God has chosen the weak things of the world to shame the things which are strong,” Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His” Hebrews 10:23 – “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Psalm 100:5 – “…the LORD isgood; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endures to all generations.” Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Psalm 119:105 – “Thy word isa lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Ephesians 2:4-10 – “But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our transgressions, made us alive together with Christ…” Isaiah 45:9 – “Woe to the one who quarrels with his Maker— An earthenware vessel among the vessels of earth! Will the clay say to the potter, ‘What are you doing?’ Or the thing you are making say, ‘He has no hands ‘? Romans 9:20-21 – “...Does not the potter have the right to make from the same lump of clay one vessel for special occasions and another for common use?” John 3:30 – “He must increase; I must decrease.” Philippians 1:27-29 – “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him.” Philippians 3:10 – “That I might know Him and the power of His resurrection and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death….” John 16:33 – “These things I have spoken unto you, that in Me you might have peace. In the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” Psalm 23:4 – “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.” Matthew 10:28 - “Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” 2 Corinthians 12:8-9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Hebrews 12:2 – “…fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Job 2:9 - “Then his wife said to him, ‘Do you still hold fast your integrity? Curse God and die!’” Job 1:21 – “He said, ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, And naked I shall return there. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away. Blessed be the name of the LORD.’” John 14:6 – “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” 1 Corinthians 11:1 – “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” Jeremiah 17:9 – “The heart is more deceitful than all else And is desperately sick; Who can understand it?” Hebrews 13:8 – “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Matthew 25:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” Luke 10:27 – “Love the Lord thy God with all your heart and soul and mind and strength… and love your neighbor as yourself.” John 13:35 – “By this will all men know you are my disciples, if you love one another.” Philippians 2:3 – “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” Galatians 6:3 – “If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself.” Romans 12:3 – “Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought…” Hebrews 3:14 – “… exhort one another daily, as long as it is called today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin’s deceitfulness.” RELATED LINKS: Jim Elliot Was Not First to Say It - references Matthew Henry's biography of his father "For His Glory and My Good” - CityAlight praise song Chronicles of Prydain by Lloyd Alexander – some of my husband’s favorite books M Is for Mama Podcast: Episode 113 – a conversation between Abbie and me Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot EP 28:Bible Memory Tips & Tricks EP 85: Memorize Proverbs 3 with Me A Grand Investment - the Bible memory program I use with my kids & grandkids "Inspiration" - this poem by Henry David Thoreau contains the line I quoted without attribution, “Time cannot bend the line which God hath writ" "God Hath Not Promised" - the poem I quoted by Annie Johnson Flint STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources - Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers - My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

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 week's episode. Listen in and let me know what you think. Show Notes VERSES CITED: Romans 8:28 – “And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His” Genesis 50:20 – “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” Ephesians 4:15 – “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” Colossians 4:6 – “Let your speech always be with grace, as though seasoned with salt, so that you will know how you should respond to each person.” James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” Proverbs 21:19 – “Better to live in a desert than with a quarrelsome and nagging wife.” Proverbs 21:9 – “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” Proverbs 17:14 – “The beginning of strife is likeletting out water, So abandon the quarrel before it breaks out.” Romans 12:18 - “If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.” John 15:17-18 -- “This is My command to you: Love one another. If the world hates you, understand that it hated Me first.” Proverbs 18:13 - “Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.” Proverbs 10:12 - “Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs.” Proverbs 15:1 - “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 25:11 - “A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in pictures of silver.” Proverbs 16:21 - “Sweetness of speech increases persuasiveness.” Proverbs 14:29 – “Whoever is patient has great understanding, but one who is quick-tempered displays folly.” Proverbs 15:18 - “A hot-tempered person stirs up strife, but the slow to anger calms a dispute.” James 4:6 - “God is opposed to the proud, but gives grace to the humble.” Revelation 3:19 - “Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest and repent.” RELATED LINKS: What Men Intend for Evil – poem I wrote several years ago Turning Point USA – the organization Charlie Kirk founded Charlie Kirk’s Instagram Account – still growing! STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources - Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers - My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

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 you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him." RELATED LINKS: - EP 92: Benefits of Big Family Living - Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag - Pledge of Allegiance to the Bible - Pledge of Allegiance to the Creator - A Prayer for Police Officers - Praying for our Troops - Taming the Toy Box - Age Appropriate Chores for Children STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources - Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers - My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website    

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 4:5-6  tells us to “Act wisely toward outsiders, redeeming the time. Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.” - Hebrews 13:2 - “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.”  - Isaiah 58:10 - “Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon.” - Proverbs 27:14 -“If someone blesses his neighbor with a loud voice early in the morning, it will be counted as a curse to him.” - Romans 12:16, 18  - “Live in harmony with one another…. If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all people.”  - Luke 1:58 - "Her neighbors and relatives heard that the Lord had shown her great mercy, and they shared her joy.” - Romans 12:15 - “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.” - Romans 12:12 - “Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, persistent in prayer.” - Galatians 5:13 - “You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” - 2 Corinthians 9:8 - “God can bless you with everything you need, and you will always have more than enough to do all kinds of good things for others.” - 1 Timothy 5:13 - “... going around from house to house; but even worse, they learn to be gossips and busybodies, talking of things they should not.” - Philippians 2:4 - “Do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others.” - Proverbs 27:10 - “Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother who is far away.” - James 2:15-17 - “If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that? In the same way, faith also, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself.” - Romans 12:10-11 - “Outdo yourselves in honoring one another. Do not let your zeal subside; keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.” - Romans 10:14 - "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?”  - Matthew 22:37-39 - "This is the great and foremost commandment. The second is like it, ‘YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.’ On these two commandments depend the whole Law and the Prophets.”" RELATED LINKS: - EP 78 –  How to Deal with Unneighborly Neighbors  - Free Resource Library  STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources - Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers - My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website  

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 one receives the prize? Run in such a way as to win the prize.” - Hebrews 10:24 - "And let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds...." RELATED LINKS: - Gospel Tracts for All Occasions (including contest winners) - Free Printable Trivia Tests (including movie quizzes) - Room Inspection Checklist - State Capital Matching Game - A Grand Investment (print pack with resources I created for our family's Bible memory challenge) STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources - Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers - My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website

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 Jesus." - 1 Corinthians 13:13 - “But now abide faith, hope, love, these three. But the greatest of these is love.”  - Hebrews 10:23 - “Let us hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering....” - Hebrews 11:6 - “...without faith it is impossible to please God.” - 1 John 4:16 -  “God IS love.” - 1 John 4:19 - “We love because He first loved us.” - John 13:35 - “By this will all men know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - Galatians 5:22 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..." - Proverbs 3:11 - “...whom the LORD loves He reproves, even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights.” - Proverbs 13:24 - “He who spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.”  - Deuteronomy 12:32 - “See that you do all I command you; do not add to it or take away from it.” - Proverbs 30:5-6 - “Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you and prove you a liar.” - Revelation 2:18-19 - “...If anyone adds to them, God will add to him the plagues described in this book....” - John 2:1-11 - [story of Jesus turning water into wine at the marriage feast in Cana] - Ephesians 5:18 - "Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit." - James 1:5 - "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all...." - Isaiah 40:11 - “He tends His flock like a shepherd ... He gently leads those that have young.” - Matthew 11:28 - “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest.” - Psalm 127:1-5 - “Unless the LORD builds the house, they who build it labor in vain...."  RELATED LINKS: - 50 Great Books to Read Aloud to Your Kids - 9 Benefits of Reading Fiction - Raising Kids Who Love to Read - A Few Favorite Board Games  - Praying for Yourself - Praying for Your Children - Praying for Your Teens - Praying for Your Adult Kids - Pancakes on the Porch (I will post link soon) - How Our Family Flew to Europe for Free STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers My Books: Shop Online - find on Amazon, at Barnes & Noble, or through our website  

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 must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband." RELATED LINKS: - Our Anniversary Tradition - a few pics from the cars I've decorated over the years - 25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband - original blog post - 25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband  - book & audio book - 25 Ways to Show Love to Your Wife - blog post - 25 Ways to Show Love to Your Wife - book - 30 Day Respect Challenge - free email challenge for wives - 30 Day Love Challenge - free email challenge for husbands STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers    

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 have our kids. Show Notes VERSES CITED: - Psalm 127:3-5 - "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward...." - 1 Peter 3:15 - “But in your hearts revere Christ as Lord. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have. But do this with gentleness and respect.” - Proverbs 14:4 - “Where no oxen are, the manger is clean, But much increase comes by the strength of the ox.” - Proverbs 27:17 -  “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” - 3 John 1:4 - “I have no greater joy than this, to hear of my children walking in the truth.” RELATED LINKS: - 15 Unexpected Benefits of Big Family Living - Family Unfriendly by Timothy Carney - America Tonight - our interview with Al Jazeera - BBC documentary  - you can watch our short clip about halfway down this post - EP 42 - Traveling with Children - Kids Eat Free in Tyler, Texas  - Kids Eat Free in the USA  - Age Appropriate Chores for Children  - Teaching Kids to Do Chores Cheerfully - Who Knew Children's Chores Were So Controversial? - Bananagrams - a game I mentioned that my family enjoys playing - Proverbs for Parenting - topical arrangement of Proverbs (similar to what we used for storytime) STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, printables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

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 ask of God...." - Deuteronomy 30:19 - “...So choose life in order that you may live, you and your descendants.” - Luke 11:24-26 -  “...and the last state of that man becomes worse than the first.” - Proverbs 14:1 - “The wise woman builds her house, But the foolish tears it down with her own hands.” - Matthew 12:36 - "But I say to you that for every idle word men may speak, they will give account of it...." - Ephesians 3:20 - "God is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think...." - John 10:10 - “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy....” - Philippians 2:3-4 - "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind...." - Galatians 5:22 - "The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness...." - Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right...." - Philippians 4:6 – “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving....” - Isaiah 41:10 – “Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you....” - Matthew 6:25 – “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about....” RELATED LINKS: - Love Your Husband/ Love Yourself (my marriage book) - EP 84: How Not to Diet (But Still Lose Weight) - Help! My Kids Won't Stop Fighting - Extend Your Reach (Ideas for Limiting Your Child's Screen Time) - 50 Great Chapter Books to Read Aloud to Your Family - 50 Picture Books Every Child Should Read - Encouraging Creativity in Young Children - Age-Appropriate Chores for Children - EP 28: Bible Memory Tips and Tricks - Verses to Read When Battling Big Emotions - Praying for Your Children from Head to Toe - Praying for Your Husband from Head to Toe - 31 Bible Verses to Pray over Your Children - 31 Bible Verses to Pray over Your Husband - Praying Boldly for Yourself STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

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 serve, and to give His life...." - Luke 9:23 - “If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross daily, and follow Me." - Luke 14:27 - "And whoever does not carry their cross and follow me cannot be my disciple." - Eph 4:26-5:1 - "Be angry, and yet do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger...." - Prov 3 - "My son, do not forget my teaching, but let your heart keep my commandments...." - Psalm 119:97-98 - "O how I love Your law! It is my meditation all the day...." - Psalm 1 - "Blessed is the man who walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly...." RELATED LINKS: - EP 28: Bible Memory Tips - EP 85 - Memorize Proverb 3 with Me - Sing the Word Vol 1-2 - word-for-word KJV scripture songs by Fred and Sarah Cooper STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers  

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 world." - Deuteronomy 11:19 - "Teach them to your children, speaking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up." - Philippians 4:8 - "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things." - John 10:10 - "...I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." RELATED LINKS:  - The Art of Making Memories by Meik Wiking - Episode 28 - Bible Memory Tips - Episode 85 - Memorize Proverbs 3 with Me - M Is for Mama - Abbie Halberstadt's birth stories - Glad Tidings - the first 25 years of Flanders Family Christmas Letters - Monthly Holidays & Quirky Celebrations - and free printables and other fun resources for enjoying them to the full STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

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 have a profound impact on the purpose and contentment you find in life. Show Notes VERSES CITED: 1 Peter 5:7 - "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." Psalm 68:5 - "Father to the fatherless, defender of widows— this is God, whose dwelling is holy." Matthew 25:15 - "And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey." 1 Thessalonians 5:11 - "Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." James 3:14-16 - "But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing." Genesis 3:19 - "By the sweat of your brow you will eat your food until you return to the ground, since from it you were taken; for dust you are and to dust you will return.” James 4:14 - "You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes." Psalm 90:12 - "Teach us to number our days so that we may apply our hearts to wisdom.” Psalm 139:13-16 - "For You formed my inward parts; You wove me in my mother’s womb. I will give thanks to You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are Your works, and my soul knows it very well. My frame was not hidden from You, when I was made in secret, and skillfully wrought in the depths of the earth; Your eyes have seen my unformed substance; and in Your book were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." RELATED LINKS: Serenity Prayer (attributed to Reinhold Niebuhr) Praying for Your Parents (my free printable prayer guide) The Long Winter (book by Laura Ingalls Wilder) "How Can I Accept Myself the Way God Made Me" (impactful teaching I first heard at an IBLP seminar) On Becoming Free Indeed (my review of Jinger Duggar's book ) STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

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 did. Show Notes VERSES CITED:  1 John 3:1 - “See what great love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God! And that is what we are!” Romans 8:38 - “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” John 1:12 - “But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name.”  RELATED LINKS: 5 Lessons I Learned by Losing a Diamond Fathers Matter (Every Day of the Year) A Letter to My Father Free Printable Prayer for Fathers A Hero in the Making: Like Father, Like Son STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers  

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 not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” Matthew 5:20 - “Unless your righteousness surpasses the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees....” Matthew 23:27 - “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs....” Romans 8:26 - "...the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words." Deuteronomy 11:18-21 - “Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and....” Proverbs 22:6 - "Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it." Psalm 51:10 - “Create in me a clean heart, O God!" Romans 8:28 - "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God...." 1 Corinthians 3:6 - "I planted, Apollos watered, but God was causing the growth." Matthew 25:23 - "Well done, my good and faithful servant… Enter into the joy of your Master.” RELATED LINKS: Lies Women Believe by Nancy DeMoss Wolgemuth EP 28: Bible Memory Tips & Tricks EP 85: Memorize Proverbs 3 with Me EP 55: Smoothing Your Child’s Passage to Adulthood 31 Verses to Pray over Your Child Praying for Your Unborn Child Praying for Your Children from Head to Toe Our Teens Need Prayer Praying for Your Adult Child STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers

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 Memorization Toolbox by Abigail Martin Pretty Printable Copy of Proverbs 3 STAY CONNECTED: Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -weekly themed link lists of free resources Instagram: @flanders_family - follow for more great content Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life - parenting tips, homeschool help, lprintables Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home- encouragement for wives, mothers, believers  

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 seen my unformed substance; and in Thy book they were all written, the days that were ordained for me, when as yet there was not one of them." RELATED LINKS: How Not to Diet - by Michael Greger: "The Groundbreaking Science of Healthy, Permanent Weight Loss" How Not to Die - by Michael Greger: "Discover the Foods Scientifically Proven to Prevent and Reverse Disease" How Not to Age - by Michael Greger: "The Scientific Approach to Getting Healthier as You Get Older" nutritionfacts.org - Michael Greger's informative website (excellent!) Daily Dozen App - use to track progress on your smart phone (on 12 foods &/or 21 tweaks) Daily Dozen free printable chart - I keep this one posted on my refrigerator as a reminder Episode 52: Helping Your Husband Make Better Food Choices  Episode 70: Unwrapping Cancer for Christmas Garlicky Lentil Soup Recipe - a Flanders' family favorite Winkie’s Tonic - a natural antibiotic with an apple cider vinegar base Sautéed Mushrooms & Spicy Greens - my daily indulgence/ 2nd breakfast Bigelow Matcha Green with Turmeric - my favorite green tea (I drink 3 cups daily) M is for Mama - my friend Abbie's website (w/links to her books & podcast) - hope you'll check them out! STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables)  - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

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 first commandment with a promise--that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” Proverbs 31:28-29 - “Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her saying, ‘Many daughters have done nobly, But you excel them all.’” Leviticus 19:3 - “Each of you must respect his mother and father, and you must keep My Sabbaths. I am the LORD your God.” Proverbs 23:22 - “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.” Matthew 15:4 - “For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses his father or mother must be put to death.’” 1 Corinthians 12:17- 18 - “If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? [Or] If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design.” RELATED LINKS: EP 2: Dealing with Difficult In-Laws - the wonderful relationship we enjoy today makes me glad I didn't give up BBC Documentary with Miriam Margolyes - scroll halfway down this post to view our 12-minute segment A Christian Home - the hymn I sang at the end of this episode STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables)  - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)

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 godliness with contentment is great gain.....” Philippians 4:11-12 – “... I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances....” 2 Corinthians 12:10 - “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships....” Hebrews 13:5 – Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have....” Proverbs 19:23 – “The fear of the LORD leads to life; then one rests content, untouched by trouble.” Proverbs 14:30 – “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.” Proverbs 15:15 – “All the days of the oppressed are wretched, but the cheerful heart has a continual feast.” Ecclesiastes 6:9 - “Enjoy what you have rather than desiring what you don’t have....” Ecclesiastes 5:10 – “Whoever loves money never has enough; whoever loves wealth is never satisfied....” Luke 12:19  – “And I’ll say to myself, ‘You have plenty of grain laid up for many years. Take life easy....’" RELATED LINKS: EP 10 – We Find What We Look For EP 19 - Amazing Stories of God's Provision EP 51 – Waiting in a Way that Honors God    EP 61 – How to Handle Deep Regrets EP 81 – When You’re Barely Treading Water  Free Printable - Empty Nest List Free Printable - Do It Now List STAY CONNECTED: - Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies - (weekly themed link lists of free resources) - Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content - Shop my books: Flanders Family Store - Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, free printables)  - Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)