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166 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Ep. 16: Identity in Christ, Not Struggles (A Conversation About Trichotillomania with Ann Swindell)
26 april 2023 · 49 min
If you've ever thought, "I'm too broken for Jesus to love," then this is the episode for you! Because not only is that NOT true, but the Bible makes it so clear that, though we live in a fallen, sin-filled world, the power of God is still at work in His people. Lees meer
We do not have to be slaves to sin or addiction or diagnoses. Instead, we can faithfully (if falteringly) choose the hope and strength of Jesus each day. Does it mean our problems will disappear? Often, no. But neither does it mean that we find our identity in our struggles rather than in the truth that Christ has overcome them already.
In this episode, I talk frankly with my friend, Ann Swindell, about our shared struggle with the OCD hair-pulling disorder Trichotillomania. We discuss victory in Christ even while we remain unhealed of this particular affliction. Just like Paul, we ask for this particular thorn in our flesh to be removed but acknowledge that, "if not, He is still good" and "His power is made perfect in our weakness."
Be encouraged, friends. God is not surprised by your struggles. And He is more than faithful and capable to give you purpose and joy, even in the midst of your fight with whatever particular trouble you find yourself beset.
Bible references:
Romans 8:1
Romans 8:31
2 Corinthians 12:7
Matthew 26:39
2 Corinthians 12:9-11
Romans 7:15-16
2 Corinthians 12:10 AMP
John 13:15
James 4:14
Romans 12:2
Colossians 2:13-15
Revelation 21:4
Ephesians 2:10
John 1:12
John 15:15
Romans 15:7
Galatians 2:20
Romans 6:1-2
Psalm 56:8
Isaiah 49:16
Matthew 6:8
Matthew 10:29-31
Matthew 5:25-34
1 Corinthians 2:23-30
Mentions:
Ann's book about her struggle with trichotillomania and learning to rely on God's goodness: Still Waiting
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:
Instag…
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Ep. 15: Giving Our Kids Appropriate Responsibilities (It Will Help Us and Them!)
19 april 2023 · 38 min
Ever wondered what chores (if any) are appropriate for a five-year-old? What about a fifteen-year-old? IS there a biblical precedent for giving our children responsibilities in our home, and what does that look like practically day to day? Lees meer
We'll answer all these questions and more in today's episode about kids' chores, responsibilities, allowances, and privileges in the home. I'll also share our family motto that has helped to keep our eye on what our attitude should be toward others as we do our work "as unto the Lord."
In a world that often screams confusing phrases like, "Your child didn't ask to be brought into the world, so he/she shouldn't have to contribute to your home," (huh??), I want to encourage you that giving kids responsibilities, routines, and life skills is one of the kindest and best parenting moves we can make. Not only that, but fostering an others-minded way of thinking leads to kids who are less likely to be lazy and self-obsessed--two things about which the Bible has a lot to say!
Bible references:
Galatians 6:5-7
Matthew 25:1-13
Proverbs 10:4
Matthew 25:14-30
Proverbs 22:6
2 Thessalonians 3:13
Philippians 2:14
Titus 2:7-8
1 Peter 4:10
Hebrews 12:1
1 Timothy 6:12
2 Corinthians 2:16
Philippians 2:15
James 1:17
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
Chore Post from Flanders Family Blog
(this post also has a bunch of links at the bottom to Jennifer's other posts about chores, including age-appropriate lists)
Find Abbie at:
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
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Ep. 14: Mom Friends + Grace Girls (How One Led to the Other)
12 april 2023 · 27 min
Finding kindred spirits to "do life" with is challenging--especially when you throw in all of the mama responsibilities like naptime schedules to coordinate, mealtimes to plan, homeschooling or school drop-offs, and a host of other everyday life details that must be taken into consideration when lining up play dates, dinner with friends, or even a quick chat on the phone (which, if you're anything like me, never happens, so we resort to playing tag with texts or voice memos). Lees meer
It can be so hard to find mama friends that feel life-giving rather than like one more box to tick. Trust me, I know. I prayed for that kind of "fill my cup" community for years before the Lord began to bring along just the right mamas. But hard is not the same thing as bad, and the waiting has made the relationships He's blessed me with all the sweeter.
In this episode, we tackle a few core things to do as you pray and look for your "tribe." And we also talk about Grace Girls--the homeschool girls group that I started a couple of years ago that I get asked about all the time. You'll learn: how it came to be, how it works, and how you can start a similar group of your very own, regardless of your school choices or schedule.
Bible references:
Proverbs 18:24
John 15:13
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
Find Abbie at:
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
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Ep. 13: Leaving a Legacy (A Chat with My Mom, Beth)
5 april 2023 · 39 min
I have such a fun treat for you in this episode--a conversation with one of my favorite people in the whole world: my mama, Beth. Lees meer
In this episode, we talk about why my parents felt the need to "be the change," to fight against generational sins, to pursue multigenerational investment, and to give me and my brother an opportunity to leave a completely different legacy for our own kids.
My mom inspires me with her knowledge of the Bible, her perseverance through hardship, her intelligent, analytical mind, her prayer life, and her heart of service to others.
I know you will be so challenged and encouraged by her straight-shooting, biblical wisdom. Enjoy!
Note: After doing a bit of digging, I couldn't find an exact quote for the John Dewey reference (other than the original Instagram post where I saw it, and that turned out to be a paraphrase as well).
Bible references:
Romans 2:7
Galatians 6:9
Exodus 20:5 & Deuteronomy 5:9 & Numbers 14:18
Psalm 119:105
2 Corinthians 4:4
Deuteronomy 6:7
Revelation 2 & 3
Galatians 2:20
1 Peter 5:6-7
Matthew 20:16
John 12:25
1 Corinthians 3:19
1 Corinthians 1:18
Philippians 2:6-7
Matthew 5:16
Colossians 3:23
Ephesians 6
Psalm 119:11
Titus 2:4
Matthew 5:2-12
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
Find Abbie at:
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
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Ep. 12 - Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad (The Perspective Shift that Could Completely Change the Way You Mother)
29 maart 2023 · 32 min
NOTE: I usually record podcasts when my littles are down for naps and my older kids are gone to our once-a-week homeschool co-op. This episode was recorded while we were all home with a stomach bug, so there's a bit more background noise than usual. Honestly, between the pukey kids and the background squawking, I feel like we managed to set an appropriate tone for an episode called "Hard Is Not The Same Thing as Bad." ; ) Lees meer
Hey, friends! I wrote a new book! And it's available for pre-order!
In this episode, I talk about the period in my life during which the Lord impressed the phrase "hard is not the same thing as bad" deep into my soul. (Hint: It wasn't a season of ease.) Since then, I've discovered from the enthusiastic response to my sharing it that it's such a crucial (and biblical!) concept that every mother (and honestly, every Christian) needs to embrace in order to run well the race set out for us by God.
Be encouraged that the hard you're experiencing is not random or cruel but instead designed by God to draw you closer to Him and to grow you up in maturity and faith.
BONUS: You get an exclusive sneak peek at the introduction of HINTSTAB (funny acronym, I know), which I read during this episode.
Mentions:
Grape Juice + Activated Charcoal Blog
Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad, which is now available for Pre-Order!
M Is For Mama Book
Bible references:
Philippians 4:4
John 16:33
James 4:14
Psalm 144:4
1 Peter 2:24
1 Corinthians 1:28-29
John 1:14
Isaiah 40:11
1 Peter 2:2
Hebrew 13:5
Jeremiah 29:11
Proverbs 14:10, 30
Isaiah 40:10
Links:
M Is for Mama
Penny Reward System
Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show
Paint & Prose
Find Abbie at:
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
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Ep. 11: A Season for Everything (Contentment with Our Present Circumstances and Hope for the Future)
22 maart 2023 · 35 min
Ever looked at another mama and wondered HOW she's managing to do everything she's doing when you seem to only be able to manage the bare minimum? MEEEEE TOO! Lees meer
What I've discovered through the years is, often, when I'm frustrated with where I am and longing for the circumstances that another woman has, I am ignoring some key factors for why the Lord has me where he does. (Because, if we are in Christ, He does everything for our good and His glory.)
There is a season for everything in motherhood. And, just like Paul, if we can learn the secret of being content in our circumstances, we can experience so much freedom and purpose right where the Lord has us.
Yes, our productivity may be limited in certain periods. No, we won't always be thrilled with the particulars of the season in which God has us. But that's okay! God can still use it!
May this episode, which tells a bit of my journey to the stage in life that the Lord has me in currently, encourage you that each season of motherhood has its own unique joys and challenges and that the Lord is never done using and growing and blessing us until we reach glory!
Mentions:
Book Number 2--Hard Is Not the Same Thing as Bad, which is now available for Pre-Order!
Paint & Prose
Bible references:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
Philippians 2:13
Ephesians 2:10
Links:
M Is for Mama
Penny Reward System
Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show
Find Abbie at:
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
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Ep. 10: Escaping the Whirlpool of Mom Negativity (Learning to Swim in a Culture That Makes it Easy to Drown)
15 maart 2023 · 36 min
It can be easy to feel like we're drowning in a tidal wave of "mommy snark," negativity toward children, and a fatalistic view of kids that leaves us with little hope but the prospect of their one day leaving the house. Our culture's view of motherhood often focuses almost exclusively on the hard aspects of being a mama (which I will never deny) to the exclusion of the multitude of joys and opportunities for growth that abound as we navigate the tricky waters of toddler tantrums and teen angst (and every age in between). Lees meer
So, what do we do?
In this episode, we'll discuss practical ways to not only keep our heads above the water of cultural disdain for children but actually use our knowledge of the Bible (which says that children are a blessing!) to climb out and find ourselves on the firm ground of the knowledge that, though there will be struggles, we know the One who is greater than any challenge we may face with our kids and who loves us (and them!) more than we could possibly imagine.
Mentions:
The Gentleness Challenge (on Instagram @thegentlenesschallenge and available in ebook form soon)
Bible references:
Philippians 4:4
Links:
M Is for Mama
Penny Reward System
Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show
Find Abbie at:
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
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Ep. 9: Talking Toddlers (Practical Tips to Help You Thrive in This Stage) - Part 2
8 maart 2023 · 27 min
Toddlers can feel tear-your-hair-out hard, and yet, we are called to be consistent to train them up in the ways of the Lord, just like we do our children of other ages/stages. But how! This episode gives some practical suggestions for how to both speak to the heart of the matter AND help our littles make good choices. Lees meer
Bible references:
Ephesians 6:4
Psalm 51:5-7
Links
M Is for Mama
Penny Reward System
Leave a Review for the M is for Mama Show
Find Abbie at:
Instagram
Youtube
Facebook
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Ep. 8: Talking Toddlers (They're a Handful AND a Blessing) - Part 1
1 maart 2023 · 30 min
Yes, toddlers are hard. And infuriating. And crazy-making. Lees meer
But they're also adorable and winsome and a great big mirror of our own shortcomings and impatience.
I've parented ten toddlers so far, and I can attest to both their challenges and their many rewards. I pray that these two episodes will encourage and equip you to approach your relationships with your toddlers in a biblical way that honors God and bucks our culture's negativity toward children in general but, perhaps especially, very small ones.
We all know that just because something (or someone!) is hard does not mean it (he/she) is bad. And toddlers have some of the greatest potential for "hard goods" in every mama's life if she will only reject the narrative that they are something to be "gotten through" instead of an amazing opportunity for growth and joy and "professional development."
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Ep. 7: The Comparison Trap in Motherhood (How to Avoid it And Why "Good Comparison" Is Actually a Thing)
22 februari 2023 · 35 min
Ever looked at the way another mom: dresses her kids, exercises, cooks, cleans her house, schools her children, organizes her pantry, brushes her teeth (okay, hopefully not that last one)...and thought, "That's it! I'm done! I can never measure up!" Lees meer
If so, join the club. Sometimes, it seems like "mom comparison" is an Olympic sport, and we're all competing for a place on the podium.
But, my sisters, this should not be! (Imagine me saying this in my best Pauline "letter to the Ephesians" voice.)
Yes, we can notice what others are doing so we can glean new ideas, but when we find ourselves in a place of insecurity and resentment, that's a pretty good sign that we've fallen into the pit of comparison, and we need the light of Scripture to guide us back out.
The theme verse for this episode was 2 Corinthians 10:12, and I mention that I also have a chapter (two, actually!) about comparison and staying the course in the path that the Lord has for us in the M Is for Mama book (available wherever books are sold.)
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Ep. 6: On Rhythms in Our Home (Because More Peace and Less Chaos is Always a Good Thing)
15 februari 2023 · 31 min
Do you struggle to establish and maintain rhythms in your home? To follow through on goals that you make to increase peace and minimize chaos? Then, this episode is for you! I share some basic principles/steps for creating sustainable rhythms as well as share some of the practices that work well for our particular family. I think you will be encouraged that home rhythms are not one-size-fits-all and really are achievable (and oh-so-helpful!) for all kinds of personalities and life circumstances! Lees meer
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Ep. 5: Promoting Peace in Our Homes (Constant Sibling Fighting Doesn't Have to Be the Norm!)
8 februari 2023 · 41 min
One of the biggest stresses of motherhood is sibling fighting. I know from personal experience how frustrating it is to have a home full of strife and bickering. But we are not helpless! Scripture has given us an arsenal of tools to combat our oh-so-human tendencies to squabble and try to get our own way at the expense of peace in our homes. In this episode, we talk about a Christian's response to our culture's assumption that "constant fighting is inevitable" as well as some very practical steps we can take to create a culture of *more* calm and camaraderie in our homes. Lees meer
I mention our family's Penny Reward System as a resource.
I also have two whole chapters on promoting sibling love + positive/negative media influences in the M Is for Mama book (available most places books are sold).
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Ep. 4: Filling Our Kids' Love Tanks (It's Not As Complicated It Seems!)
1 februari 2023 · 29 min
One of the most common FAQs that I receive is, "How do you lavish individual attention on ten kids?" Or, conversely, "How do *I* connect well with my kids of any number?" Finding ways to fill our kids' love tanks on a daily basis boils down to one key concept: intentionality. In this episode, I address how we specifically go about making sure all of our kids feel seen and loved in our home and also provide lots of practical (UNcomplicated) suggestions for anyone who's feeling a bit frazzled at the pressure to "get it right" in the kid-connection department. Hint: It's not as tricky as some people make it seem. Lees meer
I mention the Penny Reward System in this episode, in case you want to check it out.
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Ep. 3: A Case for Being "Unoffendable"
25 januari 2023 · 26 min
In a world where hyper-sensitivity to even a whiff of offense permeates many social interactions--both in person and online--the Bible calls us to something radical: overlooking offense (being what I term "unoffendable" in this episode). This is not a case for "stuffing emotions" or "ignoring wrongdoing" but rather looking for ways to be an overcomer in Christ rather than a victim of our circumstances or others' unkindness--an invaluable skill not only in motherhood but in every area of our lives! Lees meer
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Episode 2: In Case You're Wondering Why We Have "So Many" Kids
18 januari 2023 · 31 min
Every single week on the Q&A I do on Instagram called Whaddya Wanna Know Wednesday (@m.is.for.mama), I get asked some version of the question: "What made you decide to have SO many kids?" Lees meer
Well, here's the podcast I'll be pointing everybody to from here on out! In this episode, I flesh out why Shaun and I felt called--not to a larger-than-average family--but to seek the Lord's will for the number of children we would ultimately have.
I also answer questions about about my background (you might be surprised by what you learn!) and the motivations that ultimately culminated in my becoming a "mama of many."
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M is for Mama: A Backstory
11 januari 2023 · 24 min
On our first ever episode, I'm explaining how I came to choose the name M is for Mama for my blog, social media, book, and--ultimately--this podcast. I think you'll be encouraged by what the Lord taught me through something as simple as wearing the letter "M" around my neck on a daily basis! Lees meer