Embrace Your Everyday podcast

Organization is a means of functioning effectively and efficiently. Finding what works for you and your home when homeschooling directs how your days can be planned. If you have chosen the homeschool lifestyle, establishing some order will jumpstart success in your everyday. Check out these 13 ideas for organizing your homeschooling days.  For more ideas on HOMESCHOOLING: WHY Homeschool? - FREE ebook 10 Ways to Save Money on Homeschooling Considering Homeschooling? Start HERE Literature Rich Classical Education Books on HOME and FAMILY: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms on Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education

Taking care of ourselves is a lifetime journey. Invite yourself to practice many of these ideas to care for yourself. If you are a responsible person, you may struggle with the concept of doing these kind gestures for yourself, but it is clear that the scripture reminds of kindness to ourselves. Ps. 139:14 states that we are wonderfully made. Mindfulness and routines in caring for our physical needs is central to overall health. Find one or two ideas off this list and incorporate them. Find one or two ideas off this list and incorporate them. More on feeling HEALTHY everyday: 10 Morning Habits That Might Sabotage Your Day Thoughtful Steps to a Healthy You - Being a WHOLE Person 10 Minute Face Nighttime Routines What I Have Learned in YogaFatih Books on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education

While pursuing my training to be a yoga instructor, I have gained so much spiritual inspiration. My goal is to intimately connect people to Christ; mind, body, spirit and soul by providing a safe and nurturing environment. Here are some of the best things that I have learned so far. More information on YogaFaith. Inspiration on Health: Thoughtful Steps to a Healthy You - Being a Whole Person A Passionate Advocate for Women's Mental Health: Donna Robart Soul Keeping Nighttime Routines 10 Minute Face Books on HOME and FAMILY: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms on Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education   

Part 2 of 2. Ronnie Stevens, Pastoral Care Specialist with 46 years experience, recently returned to the United States after spending decades overseas in mission work. He currently serves at an Associate Pastor of Harvest Church in Memphis, TN. While greatly loved for his shepherding skills, he is equally appreciated for his teaching and leadership contributions. With insight on heaven and hell, Ronnie unpacks poignant practical truths. With a thought toward vertical living, he motivates us to more intentional everydays. For more on FAITH: Things I Know About Heaven The Audible Voice of God Soul Keeping Books available on Amazon on HOME and FAMILY: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms on Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education  

Ronnie Stevens is a Pastoral Care Specialist with 46 years experience, 24 of those years spent in pastoral work in a missions context overseas. Since recently returning to the United States, Ronnie serves as an Associate Pastor of Harvest Church in Memphis, TN. While Ronnie is deeply loved for his shepherding skills, he is equally appreciated for his teaching and leadership contributions. Along with insight from his personal spiritual journey, he also comments on life overseas, C.S. Lewis and things he wishes he had done more of in his life. More inspiration: 5 Things I Know About Heaven When Shame is a Bully A Passionate Advocate for Women's Mental Health: Donna Robart Thoughts on HOME and FAMILY at www.nurturingmynest.com  

Finding your people is serious business. Sometimes our people find us. Sometimes we have to say goodbye to a season and the people that we have loved. Sometimes we have to find new people. Sometimes we don't know what we are looking for in friendships. Sometimes we know that we need people to complete something deeply human in ourselves. To search for our people, we might ask ourselves these clarifying questions. Who am I looking for? What do I need in my people? When can I find my people? Where are my people? Why do I need people? How can I build my community of people? Choose with intention. More on FRIENDSHIP: What NOT TO DO When Making Friends How to Make Friends and Keep Them Friendship Recession Fall is for Friendship: 10 Ideas to Enjoy Friends Friendship - Better Together Thoughtful Steps to a Healthy You - Being a Whole Person Affirming Grows Gratitude Listening Conversation 20 Social Skills to Improve Your Sociability More on HOME and FAMILY: www.nurturingmynest.com        

Nibble boards are for sharing? Nibble boards invite a party! Nibble boards are easy! So, what is a nibble board? Who likes nibble boards? How do you build a nibble board? Simply put, a nibble board is just a clever way of creating shareable appetizers. Building a nibble board is easy with these ideas. For more ideas on HOME and FAMILY: Hospitality Habits: Ideas for Easy Hospitality Leah's Decadent Four Layer Lemon Cake Tips for Food Management Thanks for SHARING!!!  

The true answer to this question is that all kinds of people choose to homeschool for a wide  variety of reasons. Everyone from lawyers to plumbers to teachers to doctors  to pilots select home education for their child. While the reasons are varied, here are a few of the most popular reasons. If you are planning to homeschool or just thinking about it, download the FREE eBook from the link in the companion article at www.nurturingmynest.com "Planning for the Best Homeschool Year Ever"  This podcast details the first chapter as a tease. More on Homeschooling: Prepping for Preschool 5 Ideas for Developing the WHOLE Child Car School 10 Ways to Save Money on Homeschooling Considering Homeschooling? Start Here Books on HOME and FAMILY: Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking

Kitchen management, bulk cooking and grocery shopping are just a  few of the critical ways to create efficiency with food management at home. All of us are eager to eat every day. As we navigate through the phases of relating to food in our home, we must fetch our food, process our food, organize our food, clean food related spaces and then do it all over again. All this takes practice, skill and strategy. When you get honest about it, it is just work. If you are looking for ways to save money and time, don't miss this conversation about tips to food management.  More on this conversation on www.nurturingmynest.com. Other podcasts on FOOD: Saving Without Scissors - Saving on Food Leah's Easy Berry Pie Speedy Kitchen Cleanup in 5 Easy Steps Books on HOME and FAMILY: Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking

Are you feeling crowded in your space? Do you have to move? Has stuff been coming into your house while stuff is not going out? It might be time to ruthlessly purge. Purging may take pockets of time or you may have a window of time to devote to processing. Deciding HOW and WHAT to purge can give you a head start. Take a deep breath. Work this process in steps. Anticipate a mess as you work toward your dream. Establish three areas to start sorting. Trash, Keep and Donate! For more on cleaning: BEST Cleaning Tips: Organization and Efficiency Purging Things in Your Home an Organizer Would Throw Out Team Cleaning as a Couple Speedy Kitchen Cleanup in 5 Easy Steps More on HOME and FAMILY on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education   Thank you for SHARING!

Keeping a manageable living space contributes to basic happy living. Chaos invites stress and wasted time. Taking the time to create routines and rhythms in your home promises to improve your everyday by freeing up your time for more of what you want to do. One of the best resources available is the book Hum of the Home. This compilation of thoughtful ideas curated from decades of keeping a home, raising children and hospitality simplifies the everyday. Determine what works for you. Customize your patterns. Identify your schedule. Modify your routines. Easy helps from Hum of the Home: The Purge Laundry Simplified Contributions: Teamwork in Cleaning Your Home Cleaning Your Home With Weekly Contributions Combat Decision Fatigue: 5 Ideas for Left-for-Later Clutter Books on HOME and FAMILY: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms for Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education   Thank you for SHARING this podcast!!!  

It is critical to access your personal health on multiple levels to ensure that you are a healthy, whole person. Several times a year it is key to take inventory of yourself physically, mentally, relationally, emotionally and spiritually. Allow time to marinate, to dream and create specific steps to cultivate growth. I love the energy and positivity generated by this type of evaluation. It is rewarding. It is inspiring. It is life-changing. Celebrate progress. Don't aim for perfection. Live intentionally. This material is available more extensively in the book Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking and on the blog www.nurturingmynest.com    More on being a whole person: Affirming Grows Gratitude A Passionate Advocate for Women's Health: Donna Robart The Strength of Influence Soul Keeping 5 Characteristics of GRIT

If the weather is making you feel like refreshing your space, clear the clutter first. So often unnecessary items are crowding our living areas. When doing daily, weekly or seasonal cleaning it is best to begin by identifying trash. Identify the things you do not use, things you don't love, expired things, broken things and just trash. It's time to take out the trash!! Need some ideas on what to purge. Check out these 50 items that might be trash taking up space in your home. Grab a large, black garbage bag and start tossing the items mentioned in this episode. More on this convesation at www.nurturingmynest.com More easy ideas on CLEANING: Team Cleaning as a Couple Keep a Clean Home With Easy Weekly Routine Contributions: Teamwork in Cleaning Your Home Purging: Making More Space Speedy Kitchen Cleanup in 5 Easy Steps   HOME and FAMILY Inspiration at www.nurturingmynest.com Books on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education     

Looking for a dish to add for a special breakfast or a yummy dessert, try Leah's Orange Cranberry Bread Pudding!! Create it from scratch or let it be the serious yum created by leftovers like French toast and biscuits. As you might expect, the secret is in the sauce!! You might want to double the recipe and make two. Enjoy!! Recipe at www.nurturingmynest.com More inspiration for Christmas: Gift Ideas with Expert Katie McLeod Christmas Musings with Ronnie Stevens Christmas Stovetop Potpourri   Ideas for HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com

Do you love putting up your Christmas tree? Do you have a rhythm that works well for you? Would you like to know what the professionals know? Early in my working life I worked as an interior decorator beside a designer who put up Christmas decorations. Along the way, I picked up a few tips regarding putting up Christmas trees quickly and efficiently. While there is not one way to put up a Christmas tree, check out these easy ideas to create a happier, more enjoyable experience the next time you put up your Christmas tree. More on Christmas: Gift Ideas With Expert Katie Simpson Christmas Stovetop Potpourri What I Love About Christmas 10 Ideas for a Centered Christmas High Hopes and Low Expectations for Christmas The Story Behind "What Child Is This?" A Christmas Checklist for Busy Moms Joy of Giving: Veteran's Christmas Lunch    Books on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education   Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com  

Looking for unique gift ideas? Fun thoughts for experience gifts and physical gifts that demonstrate thoughtfulness communicate value to the receiver. Choose gifts that show the receiver is known and celebrated. Listen for needs. Develop an intuition for experience gifts that encourage more togetherness and memory making. Planning ahead with meaningful gifting creates an exciting season with long lasting benefits of good will. Join expert Katie McLeod, my clever daughter, for an innovative collection of easy to implement gift giving ideas. Suggested sources: Giftful.com Walker Goods Another podcast from Katie:  Dating Done Right Additional podcasts on Christmas: High Hopes with Low Expectations 10 Ideas for Centering Christmas Recalling Our Best Christmas Traditions The Little Known Story of Silent Night What I LOVE About Christmas More on HOME and FAMILY: www.nurturingmynest.com Books on Amazon Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education    

At age 34 when facing a spinal cord injury and the limitations of 400 pounds, Paul decided that he had to do better. Throughout his childhood he ate out every day. Without a tradition of nutritious eating and the void of guard rails, Paul decided to change his normal. Motivated to grasp the vitality of living, he embarked on a purposeful journey to a healthier future. Through extensive research, rigorous exercise and select foods coupled with an enormous amount of grit, Paul did the work of losing over 165 pounds. While he is still on this weight loss journey, he shared his motivation and some practical tips for what to eat to succeed. Check out episode 62 with Paul Becker on Thriving in Singleness.   More inspiration: Thriving in Singleness Emotional Intelligence 5 Characteristics of GRIT Books on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Build Education   Ideas for Home and Family at www.nurturingmynest.com  

What is affirming? How does affirming naturally grow gratitude? The big idea is that gratitude toward others leads to affirming them which is followed by positive emotions for all. Increased social skills and an expansion in your community add greatly to your emotional well being as well as others. Affirming is a win-win for everyone. While affirming may not be your default, it is a habit easily developed. What words affirm? What are 4 A's of gratitude? Who benefits from affirming words? Could affirming be your new superpower?  More on this topic at www.nurturingmynest.com Inspiration on the spoken word: Toxic Thinking: Renewal Through Neuroplasticity Life Giving Words Lies Women Believe Soul Keeping When Shame is a Bully The Strength of Influence   Books on Amazon: Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Build Education Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking

How can you fall into more coziness? Can you be too cozy? Since it is fall by all indications here, it might be the right time to lean into what is spectacular about this season...coziness. As the late warm summer teases with cooler, crisp temperatures, the glories of the promised transition to fall brings the anticipation of some of our favorite things. If we explore the best of fall with our senses, it becomes palatable as it immerses us. Let's think about how we can be even more cozy as we unpack all that fall means to our senses. More Encouragement: Is KINDNESS Your Superpower? Friendsgiving in 7 Easy Steps Nighttime Routines Fall is for Friendship: 10 Ideas to Enjoy Friends 10 Ideas for Preparing for Overnight Guests How to Make Friends and Keep Them More on this cozy on www.nurturingmynest.com    

"I must keep alive in myself the desire for my true country, which I shall not find til' death, I must never let it get snowed under or turned aside; I must make it the main object of life to press on to that country and to help others to do the same." - C.S Lewis  Perhaps you have felt like you do not fit here on earth. As a Christ follower we were made for our home in heaven. A profession of faith is not a guarantee of a possession of faith. Part of keeping heaven focused thinking is to know the truth and joy of what is ahead for those who choose heaven as their eternal destination. More on our FAITH: What is a Christ Follower? Soul Keeping Identity Amnesia The Audible Voice of God Private Worship Books on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rythyms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education   Thank you for SHARING this podcast!!

Heaven is REAL! It exists today. Little is discussed about our eternal destination, but the truths expressed in God's holy word offer glorious glimpses of the potential future for those who trust God. An understanding about the true teaching of heaven can change our daily reality. Join this conversation to open your mind to truths about heaven. What will be in heaven? What will not be in heaven? More on this conversation at www.nurturingmynest. More Inspiration on Faith: What is a Christ Follower?  Private Worship Soul Keeping Books on Home and Family on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Home Building

Now in its fifth decade, in vitro fertilization (IVF) and other reproduction technology have been the answer to many people's prayers for a family. However, this success has led to an excess of frozen embryos. Nearly 1.5 million babies are in a frozen orphanage. Many biological parents store embryos for further use. When parents have completed their families, they have to decide what to do with the frozen embryos. Donating them to an infertile couple is a popular option. Fertilized babies can be given for adoption through the National Embryo Donation Center. Leslie Hollowell shares her story of embryo adoption and the gift of her son Hudson. For more information Embryo Adoption, contact the National Embryo Donation Center.   Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY @www.nurturingmynest.com   Empty Arms: A Journey of Infertility, Miscarriage and Children The Value of a Mom Loving on Moms With New Babies   Thank you for SHARING this podcast!!!

Join this conversation with Leslie Hollowell. Hear how intentional living and the pattern of discipleship has shaped her life. Only God could have known that Leslie's road of singleness of 37 years along with working as an elementary school teacher for 10 of these years, would be the building blocks He used in her life to allow her the privilege of ministering and living life with teenage and college girls. Leslie has been on a journey that has continued to prove God's faithfulness. Young people have gravitated toward Leslie because of her kindness and keen sense of listening. With a thought toward pulling up the weeds of lies and planting the seeds of truth, Leslie works to impact young people for God. Don't miss Episode 152 on Snowflake Babies with Leslie where she tells her story of infertility and choice for embryo adoption of her son.  More on HOME and FAMILY: Talking to Your Children on Dating 5 Ideas for Deveoloping the Whole Child Vance Vacation: Building Extended Family Community   Thank you for sharing this podcast!!!  

Thank you, to you our listener, for joining us in this journey of 150 podcast episodes with companion blogs. This celebration invites us to hear Tim's favorite five episodes, my favorite five episodes and most importantly, YOUR favorites! What is your personal favorite? What would you like to hear more of? Thank you for being the reason we spend time writing, recording, editing, posting and sharing this content!! We LOVE YOU!! We know that God has a beautiful plan for each of us!! Some of his greatest gifts comes through the HOME and FAMILY!!! Thank you for listening!! Thank you for sharing!!! Thank you for Embracing Your Everyday!!!! Companion blog @ www.nurturingmynest.com  Thank you for your ongoing enthusiasm!!! Looking forward to the next 150 episodes!!

Recently a friend shared this encouragement on communication that focuses on the inner qualities of a person instead of their outer appearance. This is so important when practicing social skills, emotional intelligence and friendship development. Consider memorizing a few of these compliments. Or use these as prompts to create authentic, winning compliments that demonstrate that the receiver is being seen and known. Check out these 15 compliments that are not about physical appearance. Grab a few life-giving words! More on this topic at www.nurturingmynest.com  Inspiration on Relationships: 20 Social Skills to Improve Your Sociability Emotional Intelligence Friendship in 7 Easy Steps Life Giving Words Friendship Recession Books on HOME and FAMILY: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education  

While preparing for preschool seems optional for the summer or the school year, it is vitally important. Don't waste the preschool years by limiting your little one to entertainment options. Maximize the season of learning that those early years bring. Preschool years are ripe learning years. Secondly, if you don't have a plan to keep the little ones busy, they will be underfoot when you are working with your older children or doing some needy domestic work. Teach them key memory work. Engage them in tactical skills. Guide them to delight in the world around you. Let's explore a number of ways to optimize and nurture some of your little one's best years! More on CHILDREN:  Literature Rich Classical Education Loving on Moms With New Babies Whose Job is it Anyway? Spiritual Formation of a Child Expect and Inspect: Teaching Your Child to Clean A Silent Tragedy: How We are Raising Our Children   Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com 

Speaking as a parent of a strong-willed child (SWC), I can communicate as one has been in the trenches. The wonderful part of this is that I can confirm that this child is likely intelligent and full of potential. While parenting this personality can be altogether demanding, frustrating and intensely maddening. It also gives you a front row seat to a highly driven, strong individual. Consider your words and actions carefully. This podcast offers hope and encouragement and some practical tools.  More on this topic at www.nurturingmynest.com   More on CHILDREN:  Ep. 60 A Silent Tragedy: How We Are Raising Our Children Ep. 94 Teaching Your Child to Serve: Spiritual Formation @ Home Only 18 Summers Eo, 80 Birth Order  Ep. 144 The Heart of ANGER: Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children  

My hope is that you have a wonderful relationship with your parents. My hope is that you are visiting them as frequently as you hope your own children will visit you when they are grown. We can agree that relationships take work. Our interaction with our parents or our children is no exception. Open, honest conversations lead to better relationships. When you do go to your parent's home for a visit, remember these easy things that you can do to be a really wonderful guest.  More on FAMILY: The Heart of ANGER: Practical Helps for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children Talking to Your Children About Dating Dehumanizing Our Daughters - Choose Beauty More inspiration at @www.nurturingmynest.com

Today's thoughts center around what to do with the stuff that represents life that has been lived, but is no longer used daily or on a regular basis. Life is a series of transitions. One of the inevitable changes is moving out of the home where you lived with your parents. Consider how many parents continue to live with their children's things long after the children are gone. The trap is created when space is held hostage when their home is storing things instead of children. More of this conversation @www.nurturingmynest.com Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY: How to Make Friends and Keep Them Private Worship The Value of a Good Father The Value of a Mom Teaching Your Child to Serve: Spiritual Formation @ Home Books available on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education

Since I was a young woman, I have worked with children. As I dearly love these young hearts, I am particularly attuned to the anger evident in so many of them. Sometimes the anger comes from a wounded place or a response to bullying. Other times it is the response to neglect or even an head injury. This podcast explores practical helps for the prevention and cure of anger in children. Yes, there is prevention. Yes, there are cures. Yes, more than identifying the problem, there is help. More on this conversation in the companion blog @www.nurturingmynest.com More on CHILDREN: 25 Ways that Parents Provoke Their Children to Anger Talking to Your Children About Dating The Value of a Good Father Teaching Your Child to Serve: Spiritual Formation @ Home Loving on Moms with New Babies   Books on HOME and FAMILY: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education  

Anger in a child is a real response. While God holds each of us, even a child, responsible for his or her sin, God does hold parents 100% responsible for their actions which provoke a child to anger. Check out these 25 ways that a parent might provoke their child to anger. Loving my children well means that communication on this topic must remain open to self examination on this topic as well as others. Authenticity and humility as a parent are key to success.    More on CHILDREN:  Talking to Your Children About Dating  Nurturing My Nest - The Book  The Value of a Good Father Whose Job is it Anyway? The Spiritual Formation of a Child The Heart of ANGER - Practical Help for the Prevention and Cure of Anger in Children   Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com  

How is loneliness as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day? For the last few years the topic of a loneliness epidemic has dominated much of the chatter in interpersonal news. This conversation has focused on healthy friendships. In life we often have to walk through the exploration of meeting a number of aquaintances in order to find true friends. This growth mindset might even lead us to look inward and develop the qualities of a quality friend within ourselves. Check out these 10 ideas on how to avoid a friendship recession in your own life. This conversation continues on a companion blog @nurturingmynest.com    More on FRIENDSHIP: What NOT TO DO When Making Friends Fall is for Friendship: 10 Ideas for Enjoying Friends Friendship in 7 Easy Steps 10 Ways to be Kind Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY:  Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homebuilding and Custom Built Education    

Emotional health is vital to our physical and spiritual health. If shame is a reoccuring theme in my thoughts, it might be identified as a bully. Sometimes shame is a response to guilt, but recycling this toxic emotion once the situation has been dealt with is like an insistent bully. The four steps to respond to guilt allow forgiveness and new thinking. Explore shame in contrast to guilt along with a healthy pathway to eradicate toxic thinking.  More on HEALTHY THINKING on these podcasts: Lies Women Believe Identity Amnesia Soul Keeping Investing in the Long Game Hope and Forgiveness A Passionate Advocate for Women's Health: Donna Robart More on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com  

Parenting is hard work. The stages of childhood change rapidly. Before you realize it, it will be time to talk about dating. Approaching this subject with your child can be downright intimidating. Before you begin, know that today's dating culture is radically different from when you were a teen and young adult. Sexual promiscuity is rampant. Sexual identity, date rape, binge drinking, emotional cheating, sexting and a host of new and more shocking behavior is the normal for today's teens. Becoming more acquainted with today's culture is necessary is the on-going job of today's parents. Educate. Read. Listen. More on Parenting:  Nurturing My Nest- the Book Car School  Considering Homeschooling? Start Here Whose Job Is It Anyway? Spiritual Formation of a Child  Training Your Child to Interrupt   Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY @www.nurturingmynest.com SHARE with a friend!!  

As the mom of two beautiful daughters the topic of beauty materializes often. This conversation is intended to validate the beauty in your daughter and mine. It is imperative that we speak to the dehumanizing of our daughters by the culture that they live in daily. What are the messages that they hear about beauty? What do they hear about their beauty? Dehumanizing deprives a woman of dignity, respect, human qualities, personality and self-worth. 

As a rough water lifeguard and an eager health enthusiast, I completely support physical exercise being part of raising a whole child. However, I struggle with the emphasis on sports in today's youth culture. While sports is about fun and exercise, it's benefit can be much greater. More importantly, I think that playing recreational sports offers a platform to talk about how to respond when winning and losing. Self-control, hard work ethic, determination, stamina and a never-give-up attitude last long after the game is over. More on Children: 5 Ideas for Developing the Whole Child Loving on Moms with New Babies Expect and Inspect Method: Teaching Children to Clean GRIT - 5 Characteristics of Grittiness Nurturing My Nest Book  Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com Books available on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms on Homemaking  Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education  

Due to the financial strain people feel in the current economy, discussions about food cost occur more frequently than ever. Many rising costs offer us little options for keeping our funds in line with our earnings. However, food is one of those more flexible categories. Discover easy-to-implement ideas on saving without scissors on food costs.  More on FOOD: Meal Planning for One 5 Easy Ideas to Cut Food Costs Breadmaking 101 Bulk Cooking With 10 Easy Ideas Hum of the Home Book Nurturing My Nest Book     More on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com 

Need more time? Looking for ideas to boost efficiency in your daily routines? Scrutinizing your everyday with the goal of more play time, more learning time or just more rest? Would you like less housework? Less time in the kitchen? Consider a few of these 10 hacks to gain more time in your everyday. More time management ideas: Morning Habits That Might Sabotage Your Day Speedy Kitchen Cleanup in 5 Easy Steps Cleaning Your Home with Weekly Contributions Laundry Simplified 6 Ideas for Speedy Seasonal Cleaning Inspiration on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com  

If you're looking to be restored, renewed or refreshed the Women's Refuge at Vero Beach is a place of hope and healing. This refuge offers solutions for those desparate with emotional, physical, mental and spiritual woundedness through Biblical counseling and a live-in environment where hurting women can find healing. For women who feel trapped or stuck, they learn freedom through Christ at the Refuge. Some women stay two weeks while others stay for three to nine months. Discover a place of Refuge for yourself or someone in need. Contact the Women's Refuge for more information. More on FAITH A Passionate Advocate for Women's Mental Health: Donna Robart Lies Women Believe Identity Amnesia Soul Keeping Private Worship More on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com  GRIT - 5 Characteristics of Grit What NOT To Do When Making New Friends How to Make Friends and Keep Them 10 Minute Face Ready for REST   Thank you for SHARING!!!

Psychiatric nurse Donna Robart responded to the overwhelming invitation to be God's daughter.  For over 25 years her experience as a registered psychiatric nurse exposed her to the great need for the spiritual component of mental health healing. As a co-founder of the Women's Refuge in Vero Beach, Florida, Donna has made a measurable impact over the last 23 years as a passionate advocate for those afflicted with and suffering from emotional, mental and spiritual tragedies. Donna offers a beacon of hope to the mental health community with a solid Biblical perspective grown from her experience as a psychiatric nurse and mental health counselor. Using Biblical foundation, cognitive behavioral therapy, structured curriculum, and individual and community counseling has impacted thousands of women who have found hope and healing through the Women's Refuge. The immense suffering in this world motivates Donna to steer the broken into wholeness through healing of the mind, body and soul.    If you are looking for help or know someone who is in need of help, reach out to the Women's Refuge of Vero Beach.   Perhaps your church community could benefit from knowing about this fantastic resource. Consider financially supporting this ministry monthly, annually or with a one time gift.   More on  Donna Robart Read about The Women's Refuge. More on HOPE and HEALING: The Journey of Parenting Through Hard Seasons The Value of a Mom Toxic Thinking: Healing Through Neuroplasticity Lies Women Believe Identity Amnesia More inspiration @ www.nurturingmynest.com

Let's be honest, keeping a clean living space is hard. It is just plain work. Some of us love the process of cleaning just as much as the results. Others struggle to create the routines and rhythms to maintain their space daily and weekly and seasonally. In order to live this life well, we must determine easy, workable patterns to maintain our space. If you are married with a teammate, here are some ideas to efficiently complete this work together.  More ideas on cleaning: Expect and Inspect Cleaning Method: Teaching Your Children to Clean Keeping a Clean Home with this Easy Weekly Routine Cleaning Your Home with Weekly Contributions Books on Amazon: Nurturing My Nest - the Book Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Blog on HOME and FAMILY www.nurturingmynest.com 

This book offers inspiration for intentional homebuilding and custom built education. Discover easy, practical hacks for saving time and money in domestic ways. Identify the uniqueness in your child and create a custom plan that maximizes his or her potential. If you are in the trenches of parenting, this resource infuses courage as well as encouragement. Embrace intentional living in your home. Find this book and Hum of the Home book on Amazon. More ideas about HOME: Emotional Intelligence Keep a Clean Home With an Easy Weekly Routine Team Cleaning as a Couple 10 Morning Habits That Might Sabotage Your Day Making Bread: A Warm Hug

Who will be influenced by my life? Who will be influenced by your life? Who will be influenced by those you influence? Consider the roles that you play. Are you living as a strong influence in these roles? What might be preventing you from having the influence you desire? Woundedness? Fear? Insecurity? Habits? Selfishness? Jealousy? Need for apologies? Need for forgiveness? Explore the ways you might intentionally lean into your roles with influence!! Our conversation offers five ways to strengthen your influence. More on INFLUENCE @ www.nurturingmynest.com More inspiration: Lies Women Believe Identity Amnesia Soul Keeping Books on HOME and FAMILY available on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Homemaking & Custom Built Education   Thank you for sharing with a friend!

Women are inundated with lies about God, about ourselves, about our marriage and about children. What are some of these lies? What are the truths needed to combat some of these lies? My beliefs represent my worldview. It is critical that I renew my mind with the truths that God reveals in His Word. Continually, I must identify toxic thinking and pursue healthy, truthful thinking. It is the every day habits that make up my life. More inspiration:  Private Worship The Audible Voice of God Loving on Moms with a New Baby Books on HOME and FAMILY: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education

Because I know God as my Father, I am confident in who I am in Him. His fondness of me is unfathomable, reliable and true. On any day when the vortex of the world threatens to vomit fear, despondency and panic, I still. Grabbing a front row somewhere in nature allows me to breathe deeply and remember my identity as a deeply loved child of God. These three lies and four truths offer deep insight.  More on this conversation at www.nurturingmynest.com  More on FAITH: Who Am I? What is My True Identity? When God Calls a Woman: Conversation with Shirley Davis Neighboring The Names of God in Spoken Word Morning Habits That Might Sabotage Your Morning SHARE with a friend.

The audible word of God is available for you and me anytime we desire to hear it. Truthfully, I read my Bible out loud even when I am by myself so that I can use more of my senses to fully take in His truths. So often when I read I am overwhelmed by God's love for me as well as His power as creator of the physical world I live in daily. Our Father God designed you and me for relationship with Him. The great void in our spirit when we are not connected to Him is filled when hear the audible word of God.  Who am I? What is My Identity? Soul Keeping Radical Monogamy Books on HOME and FAMILY: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education

As I thought of the renewing season at the beginning of the year, I thought it best to consider sweet intentions. Considering areas of physical, spiritual and relational health offered delightful ways to practice gratitude and motivate new habits. Live the life you dream. More on this topic in the companion blog at www.nurturingmynest.com  This material is taken from the book Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms of Homemaking and Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education   Other popular podcasts: 10 Morning Habits that Might Sabotage Your Day Nighttime Routines Literature Rich Education  

How much of life is lived in the shallows? Suddenly, life becomes deep as a tragedy, death or even a birth sharpen our awareness. When my interests only go as deep as myself, I am shallow. A deep soul empathizes and sees others. When we ignore our interior life, it is impossible to have the exterior life that we desire. Clarity and authenticity are impossible. How do we keep our soul? The stream is your soul. You are the keeper. Explore this conversation with us. Read more of this conversation @ www.nurturingmynest.com Other popular podcast episodes: How to Get the Stress Out When You are Stressed Out GRIT - 5 Characteristics of Grit Private Worship Books on HOME and FAMILY on Amazon: Hum of the Home: Routines and Rythyms of Homemaking Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Home Building and Custom Built Education  

Our gift to you is this dramatized reading by Tim Simpson telling the history behind "What Child is This?" Tim is a professional narrator who shares his gifts with all of this season. Gather a friend or your children to hear this fascinating story. Knowing the background behind this well-loved song will change your understanding as you sing it. The tune of Greensleeves is most familiar when joined with the poetry of William Dix. The author was an insurance salesperson for money, but a poet and song writer for joy. Listen in for this heart warming story. More inspiration for Christmas: The Little Know Story of Silent Night Christmas Stovetop Potpourri 10 Ideas for Letting Go of Expectations this Holiday Season Rethinking GIFTS Is Kindness Your SUPERPOWER? More inspiration on HOME and FAMILY www.nurturingmynest.com

As an enthusiastic gift giver, I have recently reevaluated my gift giving patterns. Gifting should not be a burden. Push back from this response. Buying gifts should be an expression of friendship and love. See if these five ideas offer a fresh way for you to think about gifts. Find new ways to gift. Think of ways to do things differently. Remember happiness is self-made. Be creative as you rethink gifts. More on this conversation at www.nurturingmynest.com Find inspiration on HOME and FAMILY in this other podcasts: 5 Characteristics of GRIT How to Make Friends and Keep Them 10 Morning Habits That Might Sabotage Your Day Books on Amazon: Nurturing My Nest: Intentional Living and Custom Built Education Hum of the Home: Routines and Rhythms

Nobody is immune to the virus of stress. All of us are vulnerable to the bacteria of stress. All of us have to deal with things that just come with life and they all cause stress. The boundaries between work and leisure, private and public, are dissolving so that we have no rest. We are overwhelmed by how we have to do and we struggle with priorities to remember and agendas to keep under control. Check out these ideas to get the stress out if you get stressed out! More inspiration on FAITH: Private Worship 7 Ideas to a Supernatural Prayer Life Names of God in Spoken Word When God Calls a Woman: A Conversation with Shirley Davis More on HOME and FAMILY @ www.nurturingmynest.com