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

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, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God.”
- Proverbs 17:6 - "Children's children are the crown of old men; and the glory of children are their fathers."
RELATED RESOURCES:
- Praying for Your Grandchildren - A Free Printable Prayer Guide
 
 

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 children.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- 1 Corinthians 12:14 - “…the body does not consist of one part, but of many.”
- Psalm 127:3-5 – “Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is...."
- Psalm 128:3-4 – “Blessed is everyone who fears the LORD, who walks in His way...."
- Genesis 1:28 – “God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply....'"
- Deuteronomy 7:13 – “He will love you and bless you and multiply you.…”
- John 8:31 - “If you continue in My word, then you are truly My disciples.”
- 1 Cor. 10:31 - "... whatever you do, do all for the glory of God."
- 2 Cor. 5:7 - "For we live by faith, not by sight."
- 1 Peter 3:15-16 - "Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you...."
- Luke 10:27 - "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and..."
- Psalm 37:25, “...never seen the righteous forsaken or their children begging bread.”
- Phil. 4:19 - “God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ....”
- Galatians 5:22 - "The Fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness...."
- Philippians 1:6 - "He who began a good work in you will perfect it until....”
- James 1:5 - “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all...."
- Philippians 4:13 - "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
- 1 Timothy 2:15 - "Women, however, will be saved through childbearing, if they....”
- Eph. 2:8-9 - “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not....”
- 1 Tim 5:13-14 -“... So I advise the younger widows to marry, have children, and ....”
- Matthew 5:13-15 - “You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its savor...."
- Jeremiah 29:4-6 - "...have sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease.”
- Exodus 1:11-12 - "...the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied...."
- Deuteronomy 11:19 - "speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk..."
- Luke 23:29 - “...people will say, 'Blessed are the barren women, the wombs that....'”
- Matthew 24:6 - “You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you...."
- Gen. 2:24-25 - "For this reason a man shall leave his father and his mother and...."
- Malachi 2:15 - "Has not the LORD made them one, having a portion of the Spirit...."
- Matthew 19:14 - “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them...."
- Romans 8:28 - "And we know that God causes all things to work together for good...."
RELATED LINKS:
- Ep 58: Best Wedding Gift You’ll Ever Get
- Ep 15: Is Having Babies a Waste of Time?
- Ep 8: Smart Reasons for Having Babies
- M is for Mama: Ep 61 - Is the Child-Free Movement Biblical
- US Fertility Rate Graph
- Do You Wanna Have a Baby? - an original music video :-)
- A Quiverful Report - our interview with Al Jazeera
- Miriam's Big American Adventure: Episode 3 - our interview with the BBC
- Demographic Winter - link to the sequel of the documentary we watched 15+ yrs ago)
- These Governments Pay Citizens to Have Babies
- When Strangers Count Our Kids & Ask Us If We're Done
- Love Your Husband/ Love Yourself - my book

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 finds a good thing and obtains favor from the Lord."
- Proverbs 31:2 - "She does him good and not evil all the days of her life.”
- 1 Corinthians 7: 3-5 - "The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise the wife...."
- Proverbs 5:18-19 - "Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice with the wife of your youth...."
- John 10:10 - "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy....”
- Isaiah 55:8-9 - "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways My ways...."
- Romans 11:33 - "O, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God!"
- Ephesians 5:21-33 – "Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ...."
RELATED LINKS:
- Love Your Husband/Love Yourself - my 1st book ("The talk your mom never had the nerve to have with you!")
- Why I Keep Saying Yes to Sex - a blog post I wrote on this topic several years ago
- Wives: 13 Subtle Signs Your Husband is in the Mood -  the Babylon Bee Article I mentioned
- The Best Wedding Gift You'll Ever Receive - blog post/full transcript of this episode
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
 

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 strength of the ox."
- Galatians 6:9 – “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
- Philippians 2:14 - "Do everything without complaining or arguing..."
RELATED LINKS:
- Episode 53 (Microsystems for Organizing Your Home)
- Bedroom Inspection Checklist (let kids know what you mean when you say "clean your room")
- Age Appropriate Chores for Children (free printable list available in multiple languages)
- Teaching Kids to Do Chores Cheerfully (several ideas that have helped our kids over the years)
- Why the Controversy over Children's Chores? (readers weigh in on both sides of the debate)
- Should We Pay our Kids for Doing Chores (and if so, how much?)
- Super Easy Peanut Butter Cookies (only 3 ingredients--4 if you add chocolate chips)
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
 
 

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 this vital life skill, you may wonder? It is learning how to give a genuine, heartfelt apology. Listen in for the details on things all good apologies have in common.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- Matthew 5:23-25 - "...leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother..."
- Proverbs 16:18 – “Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.”
- Psalm 101:5 – “...the one with haughty eyes and a proud heart, I will not endure.”
- Ezekiel 36:26 - "I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you..."
- Proverbs 21:4 – “Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, is sin.”
- James 4:10 – “Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
- Isaiah 57:15 – “... in order to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.”
- Psalm 34:18 – “The LORD is near to the brokenhearted; He saves the contrite in spirit.”
- 1 Peter 5:5 - “All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because God opposes..."
- Philippians 2:3-4 – “Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility consider...”
- Luke 6:42  - "...first take the plank out of your eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from..."
- Luke 19:41 - "When He approached Jerusalem, He saw the city and wept over it..."
- Luke 13:34 -“...How often I wanted to gather your children together, just as a hen gathers her young....” 
- Luke 23:34 - “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”
- Ephesians 4:32 - "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
- Colossians 3:12-13 - “...whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you..."
- Matthew 18:21 - "Lord, how many times shall my brother sin against me and I still forgive him? Up to seven times?” 
- Luke 17:4 - “Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day... and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.”
- Romans 6:6 - “What shall we say, then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound? God forbid!”
- Luke 19:6 - "Zacchaeus quickly climbed down and took Jesus to his house in great excitement and joy."
- Luke 19:8 - "...half of my possessions I give to the poor, and if I have cheated anyone, I will repay it fourfold.”
- James 5:16 - “Confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another so that you may be healed....”
RELATED LINKS:
-  Episode 11: How to Forgive Fully and Freely
- Bad Therapy by Abigail Shrier
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
 

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 have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied."
- Proverbs 10:19 - "When there are many words, transgression is unavoidable, But he who restrains his lips is wise."
- James 1:19 - "... now everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger."
- Colossians 4:6 - "Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may...."
- 1 Corinthians 11:1 - “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.” 
- Philippians 2:5 - "Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus...."
- Luke 17:1-3 - “It is inevitable that stumbling blocks will come, but woe to the one through whom they come...."
- Deuteronomy 11:18-22 - "Ye shall lay up these My words in your heart and in your soul...."
- Ephesians 2:4-5 - "But God, being rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us...."
- 2 Corinthians 7:10 - "For the kind of sorrow God wants us to experience leads us away from sin...."
- Ephesians 2:8-9 - "For by grace you have been saved through faith; and this is not of yourselves...."
- Philippians 1:6 - "being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion...."
- Philippians 4:19 - "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
RELATED LINKS:
- Age-Appropriate Children's Chores - free printable
- 31 Bible Verses to Pray over Your Children - another free printable
- The Empty Pot - children's picture book by Demi
- Five Solas of the Reformation - free calligraphy coloring page
- "He Who Began a Good Work in You" - Steve Green Song
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
 
 
 

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..."
- Jeremiah 4:3 - “Plow up the hard ground of your hearts! Do not waste your good seed among thorns.”
- Galatians 6:7 - “Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap.”
- Matthew 7:16-18 - "“By their fruit you will recognize them. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes..."
- John 4:14 - "But whoever drinks the water I give him will never thirst. Indeed, the water I give him will...."
- John 7:37-38 - “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.  Whoever believes in Me...."
- Hebrews 12:15 - “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up...."
- James 1:21 - “...in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.”
- John 15:4-17 - "Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. Just as no branch can bear fruit by itself...."
- Proverbs 17:22 - “A merry heart does good like a medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.”
RELATED LINKS: 
- 31 Scriptures to Pray over Your Spouse
- St. Fransis of Assisi’s prayer
- Love Your Husband/ Love Yourself
- 25 Ways to Communicate Respect to Your Husband
- 25 Ways to Show Love to Your Wife
- Terra Cotta Ollas for gardening
- My Backyard Mural
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
 
 
 

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 implemented in their home with great success) I began compiling a list and realized there are probably too many to cover in one podcast. So this week, we'll discuss micro-systems that are aimed at maintaining order in the home, then I'll eventually do a podcast on various micro-systems we've put in place for maintaining relationships:nurturing our marriage, raising our children, celebrating holidays, homeschooling, forging friendships, etc.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED: 
- Titus 2:3-5 - "The aged women likewise, that they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers, not given to much wine, teachers of good things; That they may teach the young women to be sober, to love their husbands, to love their children, To be discreet, chaste, keepers at home, good, obedient to their own husbands, that the word of God be not blasphemed."
RELATED POSTS:
- Tips for Organizing Your Garage
- Taming the Toy Box
- Tips for Keeping Kids' Rooms Clean
- Free Bedroom Inspection Checklist
- How to Organize Your Kitchen for Efficiency
- Sit Down & Eat: Fun Ideas for Making Mealtimes Memorable
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
 

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 situation. I hope you will find them helpful, as well.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” – Philippians 4:6
- “Which of you by worrying can add a single day to his life’s span?” Matthew 6:27
-“To the woman He said, ‘I will greatly multiply Your pain in childbirth, In pain you shall deliver children; Yet your desire will be for your husband, And he shall rule over you.’” - Genesis 3:16
- “If you do well, will your face not be cheerful? And if you do not do well, sin is lurking at the door; and its desire is for you, but you must master it.” - Genesis 4:7
RELATED SOURCES:
- Head-to-Toe Prayer Guide
- 31 Verses to Pray over Your Husband
- How Not to Die by Michael Greger, MD
- How Not to Age by Michael Greger, MD
- Get Up & Go by Jennifer Flanders
- Eat This, Not That by David Zinczenko
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)
 
 
 
 

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 mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour." (1 Peter 5:8)
- “Be on guard! Be alert! You do not know when that time will come.” (Mark 13:33)
- “We tear down arguments and every presumption set up against the knowledge of God; and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.” (2 Corinthians 10:5)
- "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) 
- "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 purpose." (Romans 8:28) 
- "Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” (James 1:2-4)
- "Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” (Hebrews 12:2)
- “Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.” (Matthew 11:28-29)
STAY CONNECTED:
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies -(weekly themed link lists of free resources)
- Instagram: follow @flanders_family for more great content
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (parenting tips, homeschool help, lots of free printables!) 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home  (encouragement in your roles as wife, mother, believer)