One of the primary arguments I’ve heard against skipping Santa is that doing so will rob kids of the “magic of Christmas.” The thing is: Nowhere in the Bible are we exhorted to do things for our kids that make them feel “magical” (in the sense of euphoria or warm, fuzzy feelings). But we are encouraged to “rejoice in the Lord” and to “give thanks in all circumstances.” And one way to do that in the Christmas season is by establishing family traditions that spark joy and fun and generosity.  In this episode, I discuss some of the specific things our family does to truly enjoy each other and praise God for His goodness during the Christmas season AND ways that we strive to bless others as well! Hopefully, you’ll get some good ideas and be encouraged that there are so many good + wholesome + joy-filled ways to celebrate Christ’s birth.  P.S. One thing we’ve done that I forgot to mention is the Jesse Tree. Such a great tradition! Bible References: Psalm 119:105 Matthew 12:34 Matthew 19:16-22 Luke 19:10 Matthew 6:21 Matthew 12:28-34 Zephaniah 3:17 Psalm 34:8 Philippians 4:4-8 Psalm 100:1 Colossians 3:17 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Milk and Honey Jewelry Episode About Allowance and Chores Samaritan's Purse Gift Catalog September & Co. Ruth Chou Simons Emmanuel Cross Formed Kids Treehouse Schoolhouse Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Every year, somewhere between October 1st and December 25, I start getting the same question on repeat: “Does your family ‘do Santa?’ Why or why not?” I tackle this question, and the why behind our answer, in this episode. As always, the goal in every discussion of whether or not to adhere to a particular tradition must be: Does it bring glory to God in the way that we practice it (if we do)?  I also discuss three biblically sound questions to ask yourself as you approach the Santa conversation that may help clarify how you approach your family’s take on this. I hope you find this way of addressing “the Santa talk” edifying, encouraging, and helpful! Bible References: Colossians 3:17 Deuteronomy 6:6-8 John 1:1 James 1:6 Genesis 3:1 James 4:17 Exodus 32 Matthew 10:28 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Have you ever felt like you have nothing to be grateful for? That your circumstances are too miserable to bear and that any attempt at thankfulness would be faking it? The Bible makes it clear that it is God’s will for us to practice continual thankfulness, and yet it also gives us lots of room for grief and sadness when life is so hard.  Be encouraged that it is really is possible to honor God with our gratitude, even when we feel too weak to praise Him and even when our emotions feel the opposite of thankful.  In this episode, we talk about a perspective shift that helps us to view gratitude rightly and to view even the most frustrating people in our lives through a lens of thankfulness.  Praise God that He honors even our stumbling toward obedience in this area with the ability to keep going on the narrow path, even when we don’t feel like we have the strength to take another step.  Bible References: Psalm 127:3 Lamentations 3:22-23 Romans 6:1-2 Ephesians 4:2 2 Corinthians 10:5 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 1 Peter 2:23 Deuteronomy 31:6 2 Corinthians 9:11 Romans 7:19-25 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

None of us have endless wells of energy. We all hit walls (of exhaustion or burnout or overwhelm) during certain seasons. Sometimes, it can be hard to know where our limited resources are best spent in particularly busy periods. Thankfully, we can turn to God for wisdom and rely on biblical principles to help us navigate the tricky waters of time management, learning to say no, and leaning into challenging seasons with the knowledge that we are right where God wants us to be! Organifi Red Juice (Use code: MISFORMAMA for 20% off) Bible References: Matthew 5:37 Judges 11:38-40 James 1:5 2 Corinthians 12:9-11 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

In a culture that assures us that the only way to be an “authentic” mom is to focus almost exclusively on the challenges and negative aspects of motherhood, it’s easy to fall into the trap of being afraid to speak out about the flip side of the coin: the truth that the joys and benefits of motherhood abound if only we have eyes to see them and the courage to proclaim them.  Be encouraged, friends, that there is so much good in being thankful (just as we’re exhorted by Scripture), even in the midst of trials, and that rejoicing in good mothering days, far from being inauthentic, can be a beacon of light for other moms doing their best to keep their heads above water in the stormy seas of mothering struggles shared in the name of “telling it straight.” Bible References: Galatians 6:9 Philippians 4:4 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up⁠⁠⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Last week, we talked about the view of motherhood that posits that the only way to be “real” is to expose the hard parts of being a mom and name them one-by-one. This week, we talk about how motherhood, far from stripping us of our true selves or primary identity, can be a wonderful avenue for helping us exercise our God-given talents + abilities in ways that honor Him, serve our families, and bring us great fulfillment as well.  I share examples from my own journey as a mother, but as always, the goal is never to do things “Abbie-style” (or insert any other name) but instead to ground everything we do in the Word of God and His principles for life that will never change or lead us astray. Bible References: 2 Corinthians 10:5 Proverbs 16:9 Proverbs 31 Philippians 4:13 Matthew 11:28 John 16:33 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up⁠⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Have you ever encountered a social media post that assures you that, unlike all the "other moms," they are going to tell you the truth about motherhood--and the truth is that "it sucks" and robs you of your identity? Maybe you've felt a tug of relatability? Or maybe you've felt your spirit revolt against what seems to be hopelessness and despair? No matter your response, be encouraged that God is not surprised by your struggles in motherhood (or anything else), and there IS always hope in Christ and a purpose in the growing pains we all experience as moms--even if only to draw us closer to the one who never leaves us or forsakes us. Bible References: Jeremiah 17:9 2 Peter 1:3 2 Corinthians 5:17 John 1:12 Philippians 4:13 Job 13:15-18 Job 1:21 Psalm 127:13 1 Corinthians 10:31 Matthew 16:24 John 16:33 James 1:17 Hebrews 13:8 Links: ⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Today's episode is a little different, but it's what I felt the Lord nudging me to say as I've received a number of panicked DMs asking for encouragement and reassurance in the midst of the uncertain and even tragic circumstances that so many around the world are enduring. Remember, friends, that we were never called to either a) bury our heads in the sand and pretend that suffering doesn't exist OR b) immerse ourselves only in doom and gloom and forget that we have hope in the Lord and an obligation to keep loving God and loving our neighbor. Also, prayer is powerful. I hope this episode brings you fresh perspective and vision! Bible References: Ecclesiastes 1:9 Matthew 24:12 Matthew 25 Philippians 1:21 Matthew 24:6-13 Ephesians 6:10-18 Galatians 6:9 John 16:33 Philippians 2:3-4 Jeremiah 24:15 Psalm 119:105 James 5:16 Matthew 18:20 1 Thessalonians 5:17 Links: ⁠⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Shaun and I got the incredible opportunity to visit a "bucket list" locale "for my birthday" (I really did have a birthday while there, but it was mostly just a fun excuse to take a trip during a gorgeous time of year). It was one of the most enjoyable and relaxing trips that I can remember in recent years, and the scenery was beyond beautiful. (Special thanks to my nice parents for staying with our kids and keeping everything running smoothly at home.) I had so many requests for a trip recap + itinery + places we ate that I decided to ask Shaun to join me for a chat about all things Banff (or at least all things Banff that we experienced), and he said yes! We hope you enjoy and get some inspiration for trips of your own (whether to Banff or not). Restaurants mentioned: Jerusalem Shawarma Farm and Fire Brazen Sky Bistro Bare Bistro Links: ⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠ M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Friends! This episode was so fun to record. My friend, Emily Morrow (AKA: Really Very Crunchy) drove all the way from Kentucky with her family to stay with us for a weekend to celebrate at my Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad book launch party. While she was here, we sat down to chat about all things internet fame (hers, not mine), DMs, the origin of her account, finding and making lasting friendships, motherhood, Emily’s new book, and so much more.  Is she really very crunchy? Does she mouth tape? What was she really thinking when I slathered her son in lavender oil after he got into his first ever bed of fire ants? (Ugh, Texas, c’mon!)  You’ll never know until you listen! Find Emily on Instagram at @reallyverycrunchy (she also posts to Youtube and Tiktok under the same name).  You can also pre-order her new book here! Bible References: 1 Peter 4:8 Philippians 2:3 Ephesians 4:2 Matthew 21:9 Luke 23:21 Ecclesiastes 1:9 Links: ⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠ M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

If you’ve ever wondered how someone else “does it all,” I’ve got a spoiler alert for you: They don’t. No one does (definitely me included).  Plus, I truly believe there’s a better question we could be asking (that I share in this episode). And I chat about the Lord’s provision for help that has enabled me to do more in this season (without feeling like such a Lone Ranger) than I have in the past.  Yes, there are some people that have more on their plate than others, and there are some seasons that allow for less/more capacity. But as long as we are more concerned with the Lord’s will and His perfect timing than with any desire to replicate someone else’s “system,” we can be truly content in the “good works that He has prepared in advance for us.”  Be encouraged that, as you seek the Lord, He has you right where you need to be, doing exactly the right tasks you should be doing.  Bible References: Colossians 3:23 Philippians 4:12-13 Romans 12:15 2 Corinthians 2:19 Psalm 28:7 Links: ⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠ M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Ever been less-than-pleased with the body you see in the mirror? I've been there (in some ways, am still there at the moment). I would wager that, between pregnancy body changes, unrealistic cultural beauty standards (hello, air-brushing), and a tendency to be overly critical of our appearances, most of us women can relate to wishing we could tweak a thing or two about the way we look. But is that how God views us? If we look to Scripture, we quickly discover that, rather than swinging to one extreme or the other of either self-indulgence or vain self-obsession, we are to "offer our bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God." (Romans 12:1) In other words, it's way less about how we look (a lesson I am constantly learning/relearning as my body ages) and way more about how we love God and love others with the resources (including the body) He's given us. I am still a work in progress in every area, including this one, but, as always, I'm so grateful the Lord is so gracious not to leave us where He finds us. Bible References: Psalm 139:14 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 1 Corinthians 10:31 Ephesians 4:23 2 Corinthians 10:5 Philippians 4:11-13 Colossians 3:17 Philippians 4:7 Links: ⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠ M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

If hard is not the same thing as bad, does that then mean all hard things are good? NOPE. In this episode, we chat about when hard really is bad, how the Lord can still teach us and shape us through those things, and when to “abandon” the hard because God is clearly offering a different path forward.  Also, a super exciting update from our family that perfectly exemplifies the Lord’s gracious provision in the midst of the challenging aftermath of our downstairs house flooding.  Pssttt…I also have a chapter about this in Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad.  For our video audience, we apologize, but there is no video this week. Also the audio is a bit rougher than usual, we’ll be back to usual programming next week! Bible References: Romans 5:3-5 Isaiah 65:17 Romans 8:28 John 3:16 Romans 6:23 Links: ⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠ M Is For Mama Meal Plan Sign-Up Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

In a therapy-centric culture, it can be hard to differentiate between biblical truth and secular psychology (some aspects of which are at complete odds with each other). Anytime I speak to the importance of addressing this phenomenon from a biblical perspective, I get one of two responses: 1. “Thank you for speaking up,” or 2. “Please don’t talk about this. You’ll keep people from getting the help they need.” So, which is it? Is it possible to question the “everybody needs therapy” narrative and examine it in the light of Scripture without hindering those who really do need professional counseling? To help answer that question, I invited my friend, Amy Waters, who is a Bible-Believing professional counselor and owner of her own wellness practice called Living Well, on the show to discuss things like the overuse of the Three Ts (therapy, triggers, and trauma), what it looks like to shine the light of Capital T Truth on them, and how we can discern if we need therapy or just need to find better community.  I love her compassionate, measured, and, above all, biblical approach to this topic, and I think everyone who listens to this conversation will benefit greatly from the back-and-forth between two women who love the Lord first and really want to see women (and everyone else!) thrive in their God-given callings, however that can best be achieved in a biblical way.  P.S. I mention in this episode that Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad comes out next week, BUT, that’s actually THIS week. It released yesterday, and is available just about everywhere books are sold! Bible References: Colossians 3:17 2 Peter 1:3 John 11:38-44 Proverbs 27:6  James 3:16 Matthew 12:34 Isaiah 28:27-29 Proverbs 25:2 Deuteronomy 31:6 Hebrew 6:19 Matthew 24:13 Romans 5:4 1 Corinthians 3:19 Romans 12:15 Psalm 34:8 Links: ⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Goodness gracious, friends! If you want to have a challenging week, have the audacity to publish a book called Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad. I can't tell you how many people have said, "It sure does seem like you're under spiritual attack right now, Abbie," and I suppose I have to agree, since the Bible clearly says that our fight is not against flesh and blood but against the spiritual realm. Still, the Lord has been so gracious to provide moments of respite and opportunities to recognize his mercies in the midst of the hard of back pain and scary episodes with wasp stings, and major publishing mess-ups, and, yes, an entire downstairs flooding so badly we are now living in a gutted kitchen. Even though some will call it "toxic positivity," I'm declaring my gratitude that the Lord has given our family a peace that truly passes all understanding through our current inconvenient, and sometimes frustrating, living situation. Be encouraged, friends. The Lord has not forgotten you in the midst of your struggles. He has a plan and a purpose for even this. Bible References: Ephesians 6:2 Ephesians 4:15 Philippians 4:7 Psalm 27:13 Matthew 10:30 Hebrews 13:5 Links: ⁠⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠⁠ Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Today, we're wrapping up Our Grand European Adventure recaps! This one's a bit of grab bag as I share some of the challenges (expected and otherwise), joys, and a few tips and tricks sprinkled in. Let's just say toddler twins were a handful...often literally. And we knew they would be. But it's impossible to truly plan for the level of emotional extremes you'll experience when you've got a pair of jetlagged toddlers. But the high moments far outweighed the hard ones, and I make sure to share a few core memories I'll never forget. (Oh, and the town I couldn't remember that some said we should have gone to instead of Pisa is Sienna!) Enjoy, friends! Also, be sure to check out the fantastic (hand-drawn! affordable!) educational printables from my sponsor, Arrows and Applesauce. She has resources for everything from Bible to geography to early letters and numbers and so much more! Links: ⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠ Flanders Family's Free Flight to Europe Europe Trip Backpacks: Tobiq + Ebags (Adult) + Ebags (Junior) Normandy 16th Century Castle AirBnB Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

Have I got a treat for you, friends! I talked Shaun into coming on today to share with us some tips and tricks for how to plan a trip like this. Most of his input is the first half of the episode, but he was gracious to hang around for the second half as well, and we had a blast reminiscing and sharing some of our anecdotes, packing tips, ticket-booking hacks, and more! I hope you'll find this episode both entertaining and informative. But sure to let Shaun know in the reviews how much you loved having his input into this episode so we can convince him to come back again soon! Links: ⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠ Flanders Family's Free Flight to Europe Europe Trip Backpacks: Tobiq + Ebags (Adult) + Ebags (Junior) Normandy 16th Century Castle AirBnB Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

In May, 2023, our family had the incredible privilege of taking a 45-day trip to Europe--the redo of a previously attempted trip that Covid killed.  In this episode, we’re chatting about how the trip came about, some of the hiccups we faced in the months leading up to it, a bit of our itinerary, and how the Lord orchestrated everything so perfectly to make it a literal trip of a lifetime.  I also share some of my favorite moments, as well as a low moment or two. Oh, and a buffalo. But you’ll have to listen to find out what that is! Stay tuned for next week when we chat more about OGEA (see title of the this episode if you’re confused ;)). Bible References: James 4:15 Links: M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠⁠ ⁠ Balloon company website⁠ Anniversary Restaurant: Abendrestaurant Holzerstubn Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

Last week, we talked about the fact that we--not the government or the church or public education--are responsible for the well-rounded education of the children that have been gifted to our care by God. This week, we continue the discussion with the "why" behind our family's choice to home school, as well as some background on my own homeschool experience growing up. Be encouraged (but also sobered), moms and dads, that whatever schooling choices the Lord leads you to, it is you who must give an account before the Lord for what you have done to steward your children's hearts and guide them toward His ways. We cannot save our children or keep them in the narrow way, it's true. But we can do everything in our power (by God's help and grace) to be intentional to point them toward the Way Everlasting. Bible References: 1 Corinthians 1:27 Isaiah 55:8-9 1 Corinthians 3:19 Deuteronomy 6:7 Links: ⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠ M Is For Mama: Birth Stories Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook

Our culture abounds with memes poking fun (or downright mocking) the role of parents--playing up the cluelessness of dads (and moms too) and treating children as a burden to be escaped or, at the very least, outsourced. Not only that, but a rising trend toward the prioritization of the views of "experts" (even if that expertise has been conferred by a course or a degree, rather than experience or extensive research) over the authority of parents makes it clear that, if we don't embrace our God-given role as the primary disciplers of our children, the world is ready and willing to step in. But Scripture makes it very clear that, we, not the government or teachers or experts, are ultimately responsible for our children's well-rounded education. Be encouraged that *you* are best-equipped to parent your unique kiddos well because God is the one who equips you! Bible References: Deuteronomy 6:6-8 Matthew 5:14 1 Corinthians 15:33 Ephesians 6:10-18 Links: ⁠M Is for Mama⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Penny Reward System⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Paint & Prose⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠Pre-Order Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠M Is For Mama Chore Guide⁠ M Is For Mama: Birth Stories Find Abbie at: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Facebook