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

EP 17: The ABCs of Homeschooling Success

Show Notes
Homeschooling will look different from family to family, depending on aptitudes and personalities, number and spacing of children, teaching and learning styles, work and family responsibilities, and a whole host of other considerations. 
But there are a few general principles we should all adhere to if we want our children to thrive under our instructions. I call these the ABCs of Homeschooling Success, and that's our topic for this week's podcast.
VERSES CITED:
- "Pride goes before destruction and a haughty spirit before a fall.” - Proverbs 16:18
- "He resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble." - James 4:6
- "Some trust in chariots, and some in horses; But we will remember the name of the LORD our God." - Psalm 20:7
- "You shall teach them to your children, speaking of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 11:19
- "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God" - Philippians 4:6
- "And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." - Philippians 4:19
- "But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint." - Isaiah 40:31
- "O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day." - Psalm 119:97
- "Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper." - Psalm 1:1-3
- "But the word of the LORD was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little." - Isaiah 28:13
RELATED LINKS:
- LL #1 - How to Find a Good Mentor
- LL #9 - The Best Way to Respond to Negative Comments
- LL #16 - 5 Tips for Gospel Centered Parenting
- 9 Benefits of Reading Fiction
- Raising Kids Who Love to Read 
- More Free Resources for Readers
- 50 Chapter Books to Read Aloud to Your Family
 
STAY CONNECTED
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)
 

EP 16: 5 Tips for Gospel-Centered Parenting

Show Notes
On this week's episode of Loving Life at Home, I'm fielding questions about gospel-centered parenting. I frequently hear from moms who have many of the same questions I had as a young mother. They want to know…
- How can I pass on my faith to my children?
- How can I be sure I'm training my children in the way they should go?  
- What does it mean to bring them up in the fear and admonition of the Lord?
- How can I protect my children from bad, soul-crushing influences?
- Why do my kids sometimes act annoyed, even when I do my best not to exasperate them?
- Where do I find strength to continue when I'm frustrated or fatigued or feel like a failure?
- How can I ensure my children love and honor God their whole lives?
- Are there any guarantees my parenting efforts will ever be rewarded?
I get many more questions in that same vein, but this is a good start.
VERSES CITED:
- “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the Truth.” - 3 John 1:4
- "Therefore shall ye lay up these my words in your heart and in your soul, and bind them for a sign upon your hand, that they may be as frontlets between your eyes. And ye shall teach them your children, speaking of them when thou sittest in thine house, and when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, and when thou risest up. And thou shalt write them upon the door posts of thine house, and upon thy gates...." - Deuteronomy 11:18-20
- "All Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial for teaching, for rebuke, for correction, for training in righteousness...." - 2 Timothy 3:16
- “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these.” - Mark 10:14
- "For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.” - Isaiah 28:10
- “Pray without ceasing.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:17
- “Continue in prayer (some translations: “Devote yourselves to prayer”), being watchful and thankful.” - Colossians 4:2
- “Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God.” - Philippians 4:6
- “Let the little children come unto me and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.“ - Matthew 19:14
- “And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.” - Luke 16:15
- “But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger...." - James 1:19
- “And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.” - Galatians 6:9
- “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
- “For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 1:6
- “Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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.” - Hebrews 12:1-2
Related Links
- 5 Tips for Gospel Centered Parenting
- Pray Hardest When It's Hardest to Pray
- Praying for Your Unborn Child
- Praying for Your Children from Head to Toe
- Praying for Your Teen 
- Praying for Your Adult Children
- How to Handle Picky Eaters
- Save Money by Cutting Hair at Home
STAY CONNECTED
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)

EP 15: Is Having Babies a Waste of Time?

In this week's episode of Loving Life at Home, I'm tackling another question sent in by a listener.
This one wants to know, Is having babies a waste of time? Should Christian couples skip having kids to focus on sharing the gospel?
That's not a question I hear every day, but it's one that definitely deserves some deep digging into God's Word.
Tune in to hear what the Bible has to say about this controversial claim or read the full transcript here.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- "Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate.” - Psalm 127:3-5
- “Delight yourself in the LORD; and He will give you the desires of your heart.” - Psalm 37:4
- "Now people were even bringing their babies to Jesus for Him to place His hands on them. And when the disciples saw this, they rebuked those who brought them. But Jesus called the children to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not hinder them! For the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." - Luke 18:15-16
- "You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up." - Deuteronomy 11:18-19
- "'Truly I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child will not enter it at all." - Mark 10:15
- "So God created them. God blessed them and said to them, ‘Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.’” Genesis 1:27-28
- “Then God blessed Noah and his sons, saying to them, ‘Be fruitful and increase in number and fill the earth.’” - Genesis 9:1
- “This is what the LORD of Hosts, the God of Israel, says to all the exiles who were carried away from Jerusalem to Babylon: ‘Build houses and settle down. Plant gardens and eat their produce. Take wives and have sons and daughters. Take wives for your sons and give your daughters in marriage, so that they too may have sons and daughters. Multiply there; do not decrease.'" - Jeremiah 29:4-6
- “Then Jesus came to them and said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: and teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” - Matthew 28:18-20
- "Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls." - James 1:21
- "I planted the seed in your hearts, and Apollos watered it, but it was God who made it grow." - 1 Corinthians 3:6
- "Then Jesus declared, 'i am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.'" - John 6:35
- “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem and in all Judea, and Samaria, and as far as the remotest part of the earth.” - Acts 1:8
- “...all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23 
- “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23
- “If you confess with your mouth Jesus as Lord, and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved; for with the heart a person believes, resulting in righteousness, and with the mouth he confesses, resulting in salvation.” - Romans 10:9-10
- "And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll, And to open its seals; For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood Out of every tribe and tongue and people and nation." - Revelation 5:9
- "But in fact, God has arranged the members of the body, every one of them, according to His design. If they were all one part, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, but one body. The eye cannot say to the hand, 'I do not need you.' Nor can the head say to the feet, 'I do not need you.'" - 1 Corinthians 12:18-21
STAY CONNECTED
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)

EP 14: Is Date Night Essential for a Happy Marriage?

This week on Loving Life at Home, we're discussing date night.
We all know spending time together is an important way for couples to nurture their marriage, but it is necessary to go out on the town to make that happen?
Is a couple doomed to divorce if they don't prioritize such a practice? Is having a weekly date night essential to maintaining a happy marriage?
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- "The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife, and likewise the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body but yields it to her husband. In the same way, the husband does not have authority over his own body but yields it to his wife." - 1 Corinthians 7:3-4
- "As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend." - Proverbs 27:17
RELATED LINKS:
- Is Date Night Essential? - for those who prefer to read instead of listen to today's content
- Date Night: What If My Husband Won't Plan It? - help for wives with busy husbands
- How to Date a Husband Who Would Rather Stay Home - fun ideas for homebodies
- Finding Frugal Fun - simple ideas for shoestring budgets
- Love Your Husband, Love Yourself - motivation for prioritizing physical intimacy
- Free 30-Day Respect Challenge - learn to communicate in a way he'll appreciate
STAY CONNECTED
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)
 
 

EP 13: Ten Things Your Teenager Hates

Navigating life with a teenager at home can be a little tricky. All those hormones raging through the bloodstream will sometimes have parents walking on eggshells. But if we can avoid doing these 10 things our teenagers hate, life will be much better for everyone in the house.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- “Better is open rebuke than love that is concealed.” - Proverbs 27:5
- “A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1
- “Even so you too outwardly appear righteous to men, but inwardly you are full of hypocrisy and lawlessness.” - Matthew 23:28
- "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." - Psalm 139:14
- “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” - 3 John 1:4
- “For whom the LORD loveth he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.” - Proverbs 3:12
- “… we have renounced secret and shameful ways; we do not use deception, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by setting forth the truth plainly we commend ourselves to everyone’s conscience in the sight of God.” - 2 Corinthians 4:2
- “We do not dare to classify or compare ourselves with some who commend themselves. When they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves with themselves, they are not wise.” - 2 Corinthians 10:12
- “…walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” - Ephesians 4:1-3
- “He who answers a matter before he hears it—this is folly and disgrace to him.” - Proverbs 18:13
- "Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? So if you cannot do such a small thing, why do you worry about the rest?" - Luke 12:25
RELATED POSTS:
- 10 Things Your Teenager Hates - my original post, on which this episode is based
- Our Teens Need Prayer - and our free printable, Bible-based prayer guide can help
- 6 Parenting Mistakes that Will Handicap Your Child - read or listen to Episode 4
STAY CONNECTED
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)
 

EP 12: When You’re Married to a Problem Solver

Show Notes
Are you married to a problem solver? Does your husband like to fix things? Do you get perturbed when you look to him for sympathy, and he insists on offering answers instead?
What's a wife to do in such a situation? That's what we're discussing today on The Loving Life at Home Podcast. Want to read the original post on which this episode is based? It's reprinted in its entirety below the show notes.
RELATED SCRIPTURES:
- "A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels..." - Proverbs 1:5
- "The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, But a wise man is he who listens to counsel." - Proverbs 12:15
- “Pride leads to conflict; those who take advice are wise.” - Proverbs 13:10
- "Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end." - Proverbs 19:20
RELATED LINKS:
- The Male Brain - book by Louann Brizendine, MD
- It's Not about the Nail - Jason Headly video
- Are You Married to a Problem Solver? - my original blog post
STAY CONNECTED:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)
 

EP 11: How to Forgive Fully and Freely

Show Notes
It's human nature to nurse our wounds. To rehash and replay offenses until they begin to fester deep within our soul. But God asks us to fully and freely forgive those who've wronged us.
What does this kind of forgiveness look like? And why does God expect it of us? Is it really possible to find freedom from the bitterness and resentment I've harbored for so long?
We'll discuss all this and more in today's episode of Loving Life at Home, so tune in now.
VERSES CITED:
- “Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
- “Bear with each other and forgive any complaint you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
- “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will you Father forgive yours.” (Matthew 6:14-15)
- "As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us." (Psalm 103:12) 
- "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" (Matthew 18:21-22)
-  “A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones.” (Proverbs 17:22) 
- "Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
- “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who despitefully use you… expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High; for He is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” (Luke 6:27-36)
RELATED LINKS:
- Forgiving Those Who Hurt Us - the original blog post from on which this episode is based
- I Married a Sinner (and So Did He) - the excellent advice Elisabeth Elliot gave me before I wed
- Don't Beat the Other Slaves - my husband shares 6 principles of forgiveness
STAY CONNECTED
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)
 
 
 

EP 10: We Find What We Look For

Much of our outlook depends on our focus. We find what we look for. Start looking for things to be grateful for, and you'll find them aplenty. Search instead for irritations and annoyances, and that's exactly what you'll see.
Martha Washington once said, "I am determined to be cheerful and happy in whatever situation I may find myself. For I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition."
On this week's episode of Loving Life at Home, we're discussing how to shift our focus to find more bountiful blessings and less utter unhappiness. More merriment and less misery. More contentment and less complaining.
Show Notes
VERSES CITED:
- “If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sitteth on the right hand of God. Set your affections on things above, not on things on the earth, for ye are dead and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” - Colossians 3:1-3
- “Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits.” – Psalm 103:2
- “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.”  - Philippians 4:8
LINKS MENTIONED:
- Backyard Garden Mural - here's my outdoor wall-painting (in progress)
- Bedroom Inspection Checklist - here's the printable list I use during room check
- Praying for Your Children - here's a free printable, Bible-based prayer guide to help
 
STAY CONNECTED
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)

EP 9: The Best Way to Handle Negative Comments

No matter how carefully you choose your words or how cautiously you weigh a decision, there will always be people who question or criticize your choice. What's the best way to handle those negative comments when we hear them?
Sometimes the comments come from strangers. Maybe an internet troll lambasts you anonymously on Instagram. Or a cashier voices a negative opinion on homeschooling when she sees you out with your children in the middle of a school day. Or a man on the street questions your sanity for having so many children.
Large families draw curious -- and sometimes crass -- comments like honey draws flies. It's one thing when such barbs come from complete strangers. It's a little harder to handle when the criticisms come from family and friends. 
Yet, there is a gracious and God-honoring way to handle the negativism others try to lob at us. And that's the topic of Episode 9 of Loving Life at Home. Listen in, then drop a comment below and tell me about the strangest, rudest, or most common question you've been asked and how you typically answer.
VERSES CITIED
- "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, keeping a clear conscience, so that those who speak maliciously against your good behavior in Christ may be ashamed of their slander." - 1 Peter 3:15-16, NIV
- "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets." - Matthew 7:12, NIV
- "But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you." - Luke 5:27-28, NASB
- "Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing." - 1 Peter 3:9, NIV
RESOURCES MENTIONED
- LL #2 - Dealing with Difficult In-laws (extra help with handling negative family members)
- Frequently Asked Questions (a few of the inquiries we hear most often)
- When Strangers Count our Kids and Ask Us If We're Done (our interview with Al Jazeera)
- 5 Tips for Responding to Negativism (the original blog post upon which this episode is based)
 
STAY CONNECTED
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flanders_family/ 
- Marriage Blog: Loving Life at Home
- Family Blog: Flanders Family Home Life (lots of printables!)
- Subscribe: Flanders Family Freebies (weekly newsletter)
 

EP 8: Science Proves Having Babies is Good for You

The Bible tells us children are a blessing. That means, of course, that the babies themselves are a blessing. But thanks to some recent scientific studies, we also now realize that the process of having babies is good for you, too.
That should really come as no surprise to believers. Packing his blessing full of richer and deeper and broader benefits than a human brain can fathom is God's modus operandi. But it's fun when secular research gives us a brief glimpse at how marvelous and far-reaching His design truly is.
Sadly we live in a culture that ignores any science that doesn't support the accepted narrative. And right now that narrative would have us believe that children are a burden and a drain on our environment and that enlightened folk will purposely limit family size -- or possibly forgo having children altogether -- in an attempt to help save the planet.
So, if these studies are new to you, that may be why. Modern society is still pushing the idea that birthing a big family is backward. They don't want you to know that having babies is actually one of the smartest things a woman can do.
SCRIPTURES CITED
"Behold, children are a gift of the LORD, the fruit of the womb is a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth. Blessed is the man whose quiver is full of them; they will not be ashamed when they speak with their enemies in the gate." - Psalm 127:3-5
RELATED LINKS
15 Unexpected Benefits of Big Family Living
Science Proves Having Babies is Good for You
#postcardsformacron on Twitter
Your Baby's Leftover DNA is Making You Stronger
Having More Kids Tied to Lower Risk of Alzheimers in Women
The Impact of Children on Divorce Risk
Breast Cancer and Breastfeeding
Oh Baby: Giving Birth 10 Times May Reduce Mom's Cancer Rish
Having more babies could lead to slowr rate of aging: study
Reproductive History and Mortality in Late Middle Age among Norwegian Men and Women
Sweden pays parents for having kids — and it reaps huge benefits. Why doesn't the US?